The CARES 2019 Annual Event “Celebrating Seniors” will honor Rao Musunuru, M.D. as CARES All-Time Top Donor and celebrate his many other philanthropic endeavors in our community.  To date, over $120,000 has been raised by sponsors and individuals who plan to attend the celebration of Dr. Musunuru’s philanthropic and humanitarian work.

Dr. Rao Musunuru was instrumental in transforming Bayonet Point/Hudson Regional Medical Center from a 50-bed rural hospital into a 290-bed Heart Institute which received recognition by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 50 in the nation.

Among his honors, Musunuru was recognized as the “National Physician of the Year” from the American Heart Association in 2005; and was a member of the Advisory Council of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at National Institute of Health, as appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, from 2007 to 2010.

The reknowned cardiologist has been a prominent figure in Pasco County and has supported many non-profits in the development of their missions including: CARES (Community Aging & Retirement Services, Inc.; Pasco Hernando State College; the Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco County; Pasco County Medical Society; Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired & Blind; West Pasco Historical Society; and Feeding Pasco’s Elderly.

Many of his charitable projects resulted in building dedications recognizing his dedication and commitment to the community including: CARES Rao Musunuru M.D. Enrichment Center and Activity Center; the West Pasco Historical Society, Rao Musunuru M.D. Museum & Library; the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center; the Pasco Hernando State College, Rao Musunuru M.D. Art Gallery (New Port Richey Campus) and the Pasco Hernando State College, Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center (Spring Hill Campus).

The gala event will be held February 1, 2019 which coincides with Pasco County’s Dr. Rao Musunuru Day, so named by the County Board of Commissioners in 2014, for his many contributions. A gala evening is planned for 5 p.m. at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey. Tickets are $50 each. Sponsorships start at $500. For information, please contact Jemith Rosa, CARES President and CEO at 727-862-9291 ext. 2026.

Expenses for the event are being sponsored by the Musunuru Family, 100% of the proceeds will help sustain home care for the frail elderly, CARES senior enrichment centers, adult day care programs and services that help Pasco County seniors, caregivers and families. For information about CARES visit www.CARESFL.org .