One of St. Johns County’s most prominent families has made an unprecedented $75 million gift to Mayo Clinic, honoring the infant son they lost more than four decades ago, the hospital announced Thursday.
The seismic gift from St. Augustine philanthropists and business leaders Paula and Randy Ringhaver will support the facility’s “Bold. Forward. Unbound.” initiative, which aims to propel healthcare through new technology and upgraded infrastructure.
The newly expanded hospital tower at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville will be named the Lee Ringhaver Tower, in memory of the couple’s son, Randal “Lee” Ringhaver Jr., who died in 1980 at just 8½ months old after battling leukemia.
The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
“When we walk into the tower, we feel optimism and confidence,” Paula Ringhaver told Mayo. “It symbolizes growth and progress. We believe in what Mayo Clinic is building here, and we trust that Lee’s legacy will live on through the care and hope this tower represents.”
The Ringhaver family, founders of the heavy equipment company Ring Power, has a longstanding relationship with Mayo Clinic.
Randy Ringhaver’s father, L.C. “Ring” Ringhaver, received treatment at the famed provider’s Minnesota campus and quickly became a prolific backer.
Several other members of the family, as well as Ring Power employees, have also received care there.
“We’ve seen firsthand the value of having Mayo Clinic’s expertise close to home for our family and for Ring Power employees,” Randy Ringhaver said. “This gift reflects the values our company was built on, including giving back to the communities we serve, and it demonstrates our confidence in Mayo Clinic’s future.”
The Lee Ringhaver Tower will be the centerpiece of an ongoing Mayo Clinic’s Jacksonville expansion.
A five-story addition opened to patients in 2025, adding 121 rooms along with advanced technologies.
The expansion includes capacity for three additional floors.
Paula and Randy Ringhaver.
“Philanthropy makes it possible for us to build the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Kent Thielen, CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida. “We are deeply grateful to Paula and Randy for their extraordinary generosity and trust. Their gift will change lives — now and for generations to come — in our community and around the world.”
The family recently donated more than 1,700 acres of raw natural land in St. Johns County to the North Florida Land Trust be permanently protected.
A map of the property. (North Florida Land Trust)
The 1,732-acre property, known as DeerCreek Plantation, sits east of the St. Johns River and includes two pristine miles directly along Trout Creek.