Stephen and Lynn Ross

Help us understand your basic attitude toward philanthropy.

STEPHEN: I’ve always believed in giving back. First you have to make the money. I’ve been blessed, and I’ve been giving for a long time, to institutions that have had an impact on me and to the places where I’ve lived.
LYNN: I would echo that. I believe in sharing time, talent and treasure. When I was playing golf professionally, I started a program that connected players directly to the charities we played for and to the communities where we played. It was very enriching.

Who were your mentors in this regard?

STEPHEN: For me, it was family. It started with my grandfather, who gave more or less anonymously. He was a great man, very influential. And my uncle was a major philanthropist. I grew up with this idea that you want to make the world a better place. That was the philosophy I saw at a very young age, and I’ve tried to live up to it ever since.

LYNN: My mother leads by example. She’s incredible. All her life, she worked very hard, but she also volunteered and supported her community. At 91, she still volunteers at the hospice store every Saturday. I think she’s done it for 30 years. I don’t think she’s ever missed a day.

You support a variety of causes.¹ Which guiding principles point to “true north” for you?

LYNN: Making a difference in somebody’s life, whether it’s one person or thousands of people, is important. I used to chair the foundation at the LPGA, and we had a girls’ program. To see the transformation in these young girls just brings tears to your eyes because you’ve made their life a little better in some way or taken them on a different trajectory.  
STEPHEN: It really comes down to being involved in the community. Here in West Palm Beach, I’ve been a permanent resident for only a few years, but I’ve been a part-time resident for 20-plus years. We want to make this a model American community. I’m 
involved with all aspects of that.
LYNN: He’s being very humble.
STEPHEN: She’s my best cheerleader.
LYNN: In West Palm Beach, Steve is building a city of the future. 

How does Cleveland Clinic fit into that vision?

STEPHEN: We have a dire need for excellent healthcare here, despite the fact that it’s probably the wealthiest place in the world for eight months a year. Cleveland Clinic is key to the growth of West Palm Beach.² 
LYNN: The goal is to build a healthcare ecosystem that’s one of the best in the world. How? We start with a world-class institution like Cleveland Clinic, then the rising tide lifts all boats. It’s an audacious goal, but we believe we can do it.

What lessons from sports have you carried over into other parts of your lives?

STEPHEN: When you invest in sports, you’re really investing in the community.³ It’s almost like a utility. Nothing brings people together like sports.  
LYNN: Sports taught me that to stay competitive, you have to change.⁴ Don’t fear change. Embrace it so you can continue to grow.

Any parting words of wisdom for the next generation of philanthropists?

LYNN: Leadership is such an important part of this. Finding your voice and your passion for a philanthropic endeavor and then taking the lead on that is the greatest gift you could give to your community.  
STEPHEN: I concur. I would go so far as to say it’s a responsibility for everybody. 
LYNN: Oh! I love that. 

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With a new hospital and an expanded outpatient center, Cleveland Clinic will transform care in Palm Beach County.
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