Inspire 2024 ANNUAL DONOR REPORT

Wilcox: More Than a Namesake

Sam Pratt (left) with his brother, Bill, and their father, David Pratt (sitting), in 2019 in front of the Wilcox gift shop, which is named after the late Deborah Wilcox Pratt.

There’s a saying in Hawaii that many kamaaina are somehow related. Some have roots that trace back generations in the islands, and the Wilcox family is no different. In 1938, the family of George Norton Wilcox opened G.N. Wilcox Memorial Hospital in Lihue. Although its name has changed over the years, Wilcox’s commitment to its patients and community has not.

A member of the Wilcox family has served on the hospital or foundation board ever since Wilcox opened 87 years ago. That includes David Pratt, who married Deborah Wilcox Pratt. David was the medical center’s board chair for nearly 20 years. He was a dedicated community member with a passion for giving back.

“He did the things he did because he knew they were important for the community,” said David’s son Sam. “It wasn't ever about him.”

David had a vision for Kauai. As president and CEO of Grove Farm, he helped lead efforts to build entire communities and thousands of homes. He also oversaw large projects, including the construction of Kukui Grove Center. Additionally, David was a philanthropist who supported education and, of course, health care.

“Dad believed that you need really good health care on Kauai,” Sam said. “All of the work he did was because he wanted to make our community as strong as it could be.”

Sam and his brother, Bill, are continuing their father’s legacy of giving to the medical center that their family created. After David’s death in June 2024 at the age of 89, the brothers pledged to support Wilcox for years to come. In lieu of flowers, the family asked loved ones to consider making donations in David’s honor to Wilcox and other organizations he supported. More than $10,000 was raised for Wilcox Health Foundation.

Sam is also continuing another family tradition. He has joined the Wilcox Health Foundation board.

“It’s so important for people to be at home during the most significant health care events in their lives,” Sam said. “We are always striving to continue to provide meaningful care on Kauai so our community can be treated here.”