Khoury’s $50K Donation to Milford Hospital an “Emergency” Measure
Aug 29, 2014 10:00AM ● By Kenneth Hamwey
Tony Khoury in his office at Khoury Industries
written by KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Staff Writer
Tony Khoury came to the United States from Syria in 1971 with $100 in his pocket. He wanted an education, an opportunity and his freedom.
Because he received all three, the 35-year resident of Bellingham, who founded Khoury Industries and owns Khoury Plaza and Gateway Liquors, considers himself blessed and extremely fortunate. That’s primarily why he recently donated $50,000 to the Milford Regional Medical Center to help with a new emergency department that will double the size of its current emergency facility.
Khoury, who has a PhD in electrical engineering, isn’t a stranger when it comes to funding civic or charitable causes in his town. He’s helped with projects at the public library and the high school. He’s supported the Bellingham Women of Today in various efforts, and he’s usually the first in line to assist with the Thanks to Yanks program for military veterans. He was instrumental in funding the town’s Vietnam Memorial opposite his plaza, and he didn’t hesitate to write checks for the revitalization of the First Baptist Church in Bellingham Center.
“I’ve worked hard all my life and put in a lot of hours,’’ Khoury said. “God has blessed me with the ability to support my family and provide an education for my three children. I’m not a multi-millionaire, but I want to give something back to my community. The expansion project at Milford Hospital will benefit so many Bellingham residents. I was born in Damascus, but I feel like I was born and raised in Bellingham.’’
Khoury was only 15 when his father died in Syria. To this day, he tries to emulate what his father represented. “My dad was a very generous man,’’ Khoury noted. “I try to walk in his footsteps. Before he died, he told me the only important things you leave behind are your name and the deeds you’ve done. I’m thankful my three kids have a generous nature.’’
Khoury’s children are all involved in providing an assist for those needing medical help. His older daughter (Shadia) raises money for cancer; his son (John) assists families dealing with autism; and his younger daughter (Jackie) works in the medical field.
Khoury is pleased that his $50,000 check will help in the hospital’s ambitious $54-million expansion project, which will also include a new ICU department and more private patient rooms. “I thank God that the health of my family is good,’’ Khoury said. “When I hear of someone who’s seriously ill, it’s like a disaster in my own family.’’
Khoury’s donation to the hospital will be applied to the nurses’ and doctors’ station in the emergency room. That area, when completed, will cite the Khoury family for its generosity.
“Tony is so thoughtful and kind-hearted,’’ said Frank Saba, the CEO of Milford Regional. “He sees our expansion project as an important factor for the community where he lives. We’re grateful to have him as a friend who’s always thinking about ways to help people. Tony is very generous, and he’s always willing to answer the call.’’
Khoury earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Michigan. After five years as a professor of engineering, he worked for Honeywell Corporation in the mini-computer division, then joined Raytheon as an engineering manager. After 10 years at Raytheon, he founded Khoury Industries. He invented the Khoury Box, a device that simulates actual environments for the military and aerospace industry. That device has been sold to businesses in Asia, Europe, Canada, the Middle East and all 50 states.
Khoury’s penchant for supporting Milford’s expansion was ignited by an event at Franklin Country Club. “I heard about the hospital’s expansion plans at a radiothon for the Oliva Fund, which helps families dealing with cancer,’’ Khoury said. “I knew it was time for me to get involved. CEO Frank Saba has done such a remarkable job in revamping the hospital. It’s now a great facility, one that’s ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional hospitals in the country.’’
Khoury, who engineered the arrival of his mother and five younger sisters to America, is a purebred philanthropist. To count his good deeds would take some time, but he’s not interested in keeping score. Khoury is more attuned to Bellingham and its residents.
“When people hear my accent, they often ask me what country I’m from,’’ he said. “I don’t say Syria, the USA or America. I say Bellingham, and that usually produces a smile or laughter.’’
Tony Khoury, pictured above,enjoys a robust laugh or smile. He also enjoys walking in his father’s footsteps, being generous and helping worthy causes.
Bulletin Staff Writer
Tony Khoury came to the United States from Syria in 1971 with $100 in his pocket. He wanted an education, an opportunity and his freedom.
Because he received all three, the 35-year resident of Bellingham, who founded Khoury Industries and owns Khoury Plaza and Gateway Liquors, considers himself blessed and extremely fortunate. That’s primarily why he recently donated $50,000 to the Milford Regional Medical Center to help with a new emergency department that will double the size of its current emergency facility.
Khoury, who has a PhD in electrical engineering, isn’t a stranger when it comes to funding civic or charitable causes in his town. He’s helped with projects at the public library and the high school. He’s supported the Bellingham Women of Today in various efforts, and he’s usually the first in line to assist with the Thanks to Yanks program for military veterans. He was instrumental in funding the town’s Vietnam Memorial opposite his plaza, and he didn’t hesitate to write checks for the revitalization of the First Baptist Church in Bellingham Center.
“I’ve worked hard all my life and put in a lot of hours,’’ Khoury said. “God has blessed me with the ability to support my family and provide an education for my three children. I’m not a multi-millionaire, but I want to give something back to my community. The expansion project at Milford Hospital will benefit so many Bellingham residents. I was born in Damascus, but I feel like I was born and raised in Bellingham.’’
Khoury was only 15 when his father died in Syria. To this day, he tries to emulate what his father represented. “My dad was a very generous man,’’ Khoury noted. “I try to walk in his footsteps. Before he died, he told me the only important things you leave behind are your name and the deeds you’ve done. I’m thankful my three kids have a generous nature.’’
Khoury’s children are all involved in providing an assist for those needing medical help. His older daughter (Shadia) raises money for cancer; his son (John) assists families dealing with autism; and his younger daughter (Jackie) works in the medical field.
Khoury is pleased that his $50,000 check will help in the hospital’s ambitious $54-million expansion project, which will also include a new ICU department and more private patient rooms. “I thank God that the health of my family is good,’’ Khoury said. “When I hear of someone who’s seriously ill, it’s like a disaster in my own family.’’
Khoury’s donation to the hospital will be applied to the nurses’ and doctors’ station in the emergency room. That area, when completed, will cite the Khoury family for its generosity.
“Tony is so thoughtful and kind-hearted,’’ said Frank Saba, the CEO of Milford Regional. “He sees our expansion project as an important factor for the community where he lives. We’re grateful to have him as a friend who’s always thinking about ways to help people. Tony is very generous, and he’s always willing to answer the call.’’
Khoury earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Michigan. After five years as a professor of engineering, he worked for Honeywell Corporation in the mini-computer division, then joined Raytheon as an engineering manager. After 10 years at Raytheon, he founded Khoury Industries. He invented the Khoury Box, a device that simulates actual environments for the military and aerospace industry. That device has been sold to businesses in Asia, Europe, Canada, the Middle East and all 50 states.
Khoury’s penchant for supporting Milford’s expansion was ignited by an event at Franklin Country Club. “I heard about the hospital’s expansion plans at a radiothon for the Oliva Fund, which helps families dealing with cancer,’’ Khoury said. “I knew it was time for me to get involved. CEO Frank Saba has done such a remarkable job in revamping the hospital. It’s now a great facility, one that’s ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best regional hospitals in the country.’’
Khoury, who engineered the arrival of his mother and five younger sisters to America, is a purebred philanthropist. To count his good deeds would take some time, but he’s not interested in keeping score. Khoury is more attuned to Bellingham and its residents.
“When people hear my accent, they often ask me what country I’m from,’’ he said. “I don’t say Syria, the USA or America. I say Bellingham, and that usually produces a smile or laughter.’’
Tony Khoury, pictured above,enjoys a robust laugh or smile. He also enjoys walking in his father’s footsteps, being generous and helping worthy causes.
