Image via Saint Agnes Medical Center Facebook page

Saint Agnes Medical Center announced Thursday it has received a $13.6 million gift from the estate of King J. Richter, marking the largest donation in the hospital’s history.

Saint Agnes is the second institution to receive its largest gift from the late Richter’s estate. In August, Fresno Pacific University received a $21.9 million commitment.

Saint Agnes President and Market Leader Gurvinder Kaur said the donation will be invested directly into facilities and care services, ensuring that the hospital is able to meet the growing and complex needs of the community, according to a news release.

“Our entire Saint Agnes family of colleagues, physicians and community members are grateful to Richter for his support of our healing ministry,” Kaur said.

Funds will be utilized to support the hospital’s new emergency department, as well as investments into new medical technologies and devices, improving access to care.

“As Board Chair, I get to witness firsthand the sacred, healing work happening here at the hospital every day, and this extraordinary gift will only multiply this great work,” says Ronald Wathen, Saint Agnes board chair. “Saint Agnes is building for a brighter future in Valley health care.”

The Richter family’s philanthropic efforts run deep in the Central Valley. In 2007, Jan and Bud Richter pledged $3.5 million to establish the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement at Fresno State.

Family patriarch Jacob Richter founded the Richter Bottling Works in 1895, which would go on to become the successful Pepsi Bottling Co.

In 1992, Richter established the King J. Richter Annual Scholarship at Fresno Pacific University to “help high-achieving students receive the life-changing education available at FPU,” according to a scholarship description. “He grew up in a Fresno home that held Christian values high and understands the importance of responsibility and a disciplined work ethic.”