MGM CEO, wife helping raise $1 billion to build Las Vegas children’s hospital
Summary
Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle will co-chair a campaign to raise more than $1 billion to build Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital, backing Intermountain Health’s plan to site the facility at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. Groundbreaking is expected in 2026 with a projected opening by 2030.
The move responds to a significant gap: Nevada ranks 48th in paediatricians per capita and the Las Vegas area is the largest US metro without a freestanding children’s hospital. Nearly 30,000 children a year currently travel out of state for specialised care, creating financial and logistical burdens for families. State gaming regulators publicly praised the Hornbuckles for leading the philanthropic effort, which organisers say will benefit families, the workforce and local economic development.
Key Points
- Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle have agreed to co-chair a campaign aiming to raise over $1 billion for a new children’s hospital in Las Vegas.
- Intermountain Health is the lead health system; the hospital will be built at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park.
- Groundbreaking is expected in 2026 with an opening target of around 2030.
- Nevada is 48th in the US for paediatricians per capita; the Las Vegas metro is the largest without a freestanding children’s hospital.
- About 29,000 children a year leave Nevada for comprehensive specialty care, imposing travel, lodging and income losses on families.
- The campaign has strong local backing, including public recognition from the Nevada Gaming Commission and community leaders.
- Organisers frame the project as an investment in children’s health, workforce stability and broader economic development for Nevada.
Why should I read this?
Quick and honest: this is a big deal for Nevada. If you live, work or employ families in Las Vegas, this could change where sick kids get treated — and save families the nightmare of long trips out of state. It’s also a rare example of major local philanthropy paired with a health system and a university site. Worth a skim if you care about healthcare access, local philanthropy or community planning.