Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center Announces $10 Million Gift for Earl Family Surgical Center

Lead Gift Strengthens Future of Surgical Care for Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore

Annapolis, Md. – Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) today announces a transformational gift of $10 million from Sylvia, Matthew, and Bridget Earl—one of the largest philanthropic investments in the hospital’s nearly 125-year history.

The Earl Family’s $10 million gift will establish the Earl Family Surgical Center at LHAAMC and serves as the lead gift for LHAAMC’s $20 million Advanced Surgical Suite project, a major investment in the future of surgical care. The project will build five state-of-the-art operating and procedural rooms, including a hybrid operating room designed to support advanced cardiovascular, neurovascular, and other complex procedures. By creating a modern and centralized surgical environment, the project will enhance patient safety, improve outcomes, increase efficiency, and expand access to advanced surgical care for the community.

“Our family has long believed in LHAAMC’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and compassionate care,” said Matthew Earl. “We are honored to support a project that will expand access to expert surgical services close to home for patients and families for generations to come.” 

“We are deeply grateful for the Earl family’s partnership and their belief in our care teams,” said Mitch Cahan, MD, Chair of Surgery, Luminis Health. “This investment will strengthen our ability to recruit and retain top surgical talent, enhance training and development for our physicians, nurses, and staff, and support our continued commitment to delivering the highest level of care.” 

The Earl family’s generous support of LHAAMC began in 1998 when Jim and Sylvia Earl made their first gift to the hospital. In 2013, they launched The James and Sylvia Earl Simulation to Advance Innovation and Learning (SAIL) Center through a transformational, philanthropic gift. The Earl SAIL Center is a unique facility dedicated to advancing medicine through research, training, and innovation that improves surgical and medical care and patient outcomes. Continuing this legacy, the next generation of the Earl family—sons Matthew and Jimmy Earl, along with Bridget Earl, wife of the late David Earl—are active supporters of the Earl SAIL Center and its mission to enhance patient care through cutting-edge training and technology.

“The Earl SAIL Center reflects what is possible when visionary philanthropy and clinical excellence come together to advance patient care,” said Catherine Maloney, President of LHAAMC and System Chief Operating Officer. “We are deeply grateful to the Earl Family for their continued partnership and belief in LHAAMC’s future. Their generosity will strengthen our surgical capabilities, foster innovation, and enhance care for patients and families well into the future.” 

In addition to their philanthropic contributions to the community, the Earl family members have each made meaningful impacts through their professional and personal pursuits. Matthew owns multiple World Beer locations and previously served as an associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland. Jimmy enjoyed a successful career as the bass guitarist for Cleto and the Cletones, the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The late David was a renowned blues guitarist, founder of Severn Records, and longtime lacrosse coach at St. Mary’s School and Severna Park High School, where he led teams to six state championships before his retirement. Bridget has devoted her time and passion to the family’s philanthropic endeavors in addition to raising her three children.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Earl Family for their extraordinary generosity and shared vision for the future of surgical care at LHAAMC,” said Elizabeth Gross, Chief Development Officer, Luminis Health. “Their investment is a powerful catalyst for advancing surgical excellence, and we hope it inspires others to support the health of our community. Every gift, regardless of size, plays a meaningful role in our ability to provide the high-quality care for which LHAAMC has been known for the past 124 years.” 

This transformational gift comes at a time of continued national recognition for LHAAMC, underscoring its commitment to excellence in patient care. LHAAMC has earned the Surgical Excellence Award from America’s 50 Best Hospitals. It has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as high performing in several surgical specialties, including colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, back surgery, hip replacement, and knee replacement. In addition, LHAAMC recently received its 15th consecutive “A” grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, reflecting its sustained focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. LHAAMC is one of only 16 hospitals nationwide, and the only hospital in Maryland, to earn straight A’s in every Leapfrog grading period since 2018.