Children's Center Dedicates Plaque in Honor of Matt & Patty Gorges

The Matt & Patty Gorges Children’s Center, located on the fourth floor of VBMC’s East Tower, is the Valley’s first Children’s Center devoted exclusively to the care of children and infants. The 62-bed center enables many children to stay in the Valley for specialized medical care.

The Valley Baptist Board of Directors has named the Children’s Center in honor of the Gorges, who have made a generous contribution to continue the work of caring for the needs of Valley children. Prior to the opening of the $8 million Children’s Center, many Valley families had to travel to Corpus Christi or San Antonio for specialized pediatric care. Having a Children’s Center in the Valley saves money and time for these families – and lessens the hardship for a child who is ill, since the child is closer to home and family.

The dedication plaque notes that the Valley community “has benefited tremendously from Matt & Patty’s involvement with numerous charitable projects.”

“The Children’s Center is a perfect example of the care and concern Matt and Patty Gorges have for the well-being of children in the Rio Grande Valley,” added James G. Springfield, CHE, President and Chief Executive Officer for Valley Baptist Health System. “Matt and Patty’s generous support will continue to enhance the quality of life for children of future generations.”

While the Valley Baptist Board of Directors thanked the Gorges for their generous support, Mr. Gorges said he was grateful for the opportunity to be able to support such a worthy cause as the Children’s Center. “You are thanking us, but we are thanking you,” Mr. Gorges said.

The Gorges Foundation grants assistance to projects that reach out to the less fortunate through education, cultural enhancement, and medical research. Matt and Patty have dedicated themselves to the Harlingen Public Library, the Harlingen Performing Arts Theatre, the St. Anthony School Endowment Fund, Gladys Porter Zoo, Loaves and Fishes, Monica’s House, and Maggie’s House, among many others.

Patty Gorges is a registered nurse having completed her training at Hermann Hospital School of Nursing in affiliation with the University of Houston. Mrs. Gorges has had a lifelong care and concern for the well-being of children, including raising five children of her own.

Matt Gorges is a graduate of Rice University with a degree in economics and finance. Mr. Gorges’ business career has been devoted to the food and agricultural-related industries.