Philanthropists Prioritize Advancement of Brain Health
Terry and Cheryl Holden’s approach to philanthropy seems the just-right mix of art and science. Their giving is an expression of their personal values, curiosity and imagination, but it also is extremely intentional and thoroughly researched. The Nevada couple’s combined 45 years of gift-giving has been participatory, too. Terry and Cheryl are deeply engaged and well-informed regarding the focus areas and organizations they support.
A real estate investor and owner of T.L. Holden Inc. for 35 years, Terry says one of his highly successful business partners shared once that he was working harder at giving away his money than he ever did making it.
“At the time, I laughed,” Terry says. “But I now fully understand and agree. It is very hard to find a truly worthy cause to help and support and feel like your money is making a difference.”
Recently, the Holdens became members of Cleveland Clinic’s 1921 Society, which recognizes donors of $1 million or more. Soon after, they made an additional gift of $2 million directly to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. While Oregon natives, Terry and Cheryl think it’s important to invest in the community they’ve called home for 28 years.
“Healthcare is a big focus for us,” Terry offers. “We’ve researched hospitals in Nevada and throughout the U.S.” At the urging of friends, Terry and Cheryl moved Cleveland Clinic to the top of their list for further study. Coincidentally, around that same time, Terry needed a cardiac ablation, a minimally invasive surgery to address irregular heart rhythms. His cardiologist suggested Cleveland Clinic.
Prior to the procedure, Terry and Cheryl chose to undergo their physical examinations at Cleveland Clinic, as well. “It was part of our due diligence,” Terry readily admits. “But we were just immediately overwhelmed by all our experiences. Everyone had true passion. We are very bullish on what Cleveland Clinic represents and what it is doing. We hope it will continue on the same path of excellence.”
Cheryl especially appreciated the caring and proactive communication they personally experienced from medical and non-medical staff. “They were very reassuring. They gave us such peace of mind,” she recalls. “It’s just a wonderful thing when you have to go through something like that.”
An architecturally distinctive complex, the Lou Ruvo Center is dedicated to the care and treatment of individuals with memory loss, dementia and other neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. It also has a strong focus on translational research to advance treatments and prevention strategies.
“We had the opportunity to tour the center and meet Larry and Camille Ruvo,” Terry says. “We hold them in high, high regard.” The Holdens also appreciated meeting Carrie M. Hersh, DO, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Health and Wellness Program at Ruvo Center. “She was fabulous, so knowledgeable and doing great work. Everybody went out of their way to be informative and just very helpful.”
Terry and Cheryl met in 1991 on a blind date via a mutual friend. “For me, it was love at first sight,” says Terry. “I knew I would ultimately marry Cheryl.” Seven years later, he did.
In addition to philanthropy, the couple enjoys traveling together to all parts of the world. They treasure these experiences, recalling a recent adventure to Rwanda where they were treated to some sit-down time with gorillas in the wild.
“These experiences — the learning, meeting different, lovely people — form the tapestry of your life,” Cheryl says, noting: “We don’t own anything; it owns us. Giving relieves our burden.”
This philosophy was nurtured early in their lives by their parents and mentors and their volunteer experiences.
“We feel so fortunate to have connected with Cleveland Clinic,” Terry says. “Cheryl and I truly believe our support will make a positive difference in the lives of so many. That feels really good.”
Mum Ball a Cherished Family Tradition
“Nana, I am going to escort you to the ball.”
Those heartfelt words, spoken to Elizabeth “Betsy” Herold by her grandson Philip back in 2010, marked the continuation of a cherished family tradition — one that now spans three generations and is helping shape the future of healthcare across Florida’s Treasure Coast.
That year was Betsy’s first as co-chair of the Chrysanthemum Ball — affectionately known as the Mum Ball — and the first attended by one of her grandchildren.
Each November Betsy’s family gathers in Stuart, Florida to attend the elegant black-tie gala. Her children, grandchildren, and close family friends help fill two tables in the ballroom, showing their shared support for Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, a cause close to Betsy’s heart.
A resident of Sailfish Point since 2000, Betsy relocated to Stuart with her late husband, David, following his retirement from a successful career in financial services. The couple moved from Huntington, New York, where she continues to spend her summers, remaining closely connected with her three children and four grandchildren.
But no matter where the seasons take her, one thing remains constant: an unwavering commitment to Martin Health and the annual celebration that helps sustain a vital community resource.
“Martin Health was there for David through multiple health crises and more recently for me,” says Betsy, noting the nurses and doctors in the Emergency Department were “absolutely wonderful” when she needed them. The Herold Suite on the fifth floor of Martin North Hospital is in recognition of the family’s gift made in David’s memory and is a symbol of Betsy’s gratitude for the care her husband received.
Now, serving as co-chair for a fourth time, Betsy is helping set the stage for a milestone event, marking the 30th anniversary of the Mum Ball. She has pledged a generous $100,000 in matching funds to inspire community giving — a kickoff gift that reflects her longstanding dedication. Additionally, she has made a planned gift of approximately $1 million in support of Martin Health’s strategic priorities, ensuring that her impact will continue for generations to come.
“Cleveland Clinic has really stepped up to the plate for our community, and I’m proud to support their efforts to enhance the patient experience at our local hospitals,” Betsy adds.
Since its founding in 1995, the Chrysanthemum Ball has raised more than $17 million to advance local critical care initiatives. Today, it remains one of the region’s premier philanthropic events, bringing together more than 400 committed supporters — including full-time and seasonal residents, retired executives, physicians, and corporate sponsors — united by a shared goal to strengthen the health of the community.
This year’s proceeds will support a range of enhancements at Martin North Hospital, Martin South Hospital, and the Stuart Family Health Center, including emergency department renovations, an upgraded cardiac catheterization lab, and an expanded gastroenterology program. These strategic investments aim to expand access to care, elevate the patient experience, and advance clinical excellence throughout the region.
Over the years, Betsy’s philanthropy has touched nearly every corner of Martin Health — from the Frances Langford Heart Center to nursing education and the adoption of leading-edge surgical and imaging technologies. Yet for all her generous giving, it is perhaps her joy in simply being surrounded by loved ones each November that speaks most clearly to her legacy.
For Betsy Herold, the Mum Ball isn’t just an evening of elegance. It’s a family tradition, a celebration of community, and a heartfelt expression of gratitude and hope — one that continues to blossom year after year.
Learn more and purchase tickets for the 2025 Chrysanthemum Ball here.
Advancing Heart Care in Weston
Thanks to generous support from donors, Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital recently opened a new, leading-edge Electrophysiology (EP) Lab. This advanced facility expands the ability to treat patients with heart rhythm disorders, providing greater access to lifesaving care.
Equipped with the latest technology, the new EP Lab supports a wide range of complex procedures, including pacemaker and defibrillator implantations, ablations, left atrial appendage occlusion (Watchman and Amulet), and intricate lead extractions.
For patients, this means improved access to care, shorter wait times, more advanced treatment options and an overall enhanced experience.
But the work is not done. To meet the growing need for cardiac care, additional support is needed to build another EP Lab, enabling us to serve even more patients with timely, advanced treatment.
Learn more about how you can support heart care at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.
