60 years ago, the community’s dream of a local, Tahoe-based hospital became reality. Barton Health has assembled a collection of articles to commemorate 60 years of quality and compassionate health care for our community and its visitors. Beginning with the 1950s, an article outlining the events of each decade will be published monthly, culminating with the 2020s on Barton’s official 60th anniversary in November. Follow along this historical journey each month and learn more at BartonHealth.org/History.

In the history of philanthropy, there are names that shine brightly, leaving a lasting impact on the communities they touch. Robert and Lisa Maloff represent one story, whose commitment to giving back helped shape the South Lake Tahoe community. At Barton, the Robert Maloff Center, home of the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, serves as a testament to their caring and generosity.

After moving to Lake Tahoe and beginning their successful development careers, Robert and Lisa Maloff embedded themselves into the community, playing an early role in the establishment of Barton Memorial Hospital after being particularly moved by the long distances pregnant women would have to travel to deliver their babies.

Following Robert’s passing in 2011, Lisa remained steadfast in her determination to continue their philanthropic legacy. Beyond healthcare, Lisa Maloff’s generosity extended to Lake Tahoe Community College, South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association, Boys & Girls Club, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Tahoe Youth and Family Services, and numerous other organizations, gaining the moniker, the “Angel of Tahoe.”

In 2015, Lisa pledged $10 million toward the construction of the Robert Maloff Center, a state-of-the-art facility adjacent to Barton Health’s hospital campus, with the goal of bringing together a focus on wellness, sports performance, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. (A therapy pool inside the Robert Maloff Center was funded by a $1 million donation from the family of Dr. Paul Fry II, the Maloff’s close friend and a renowned orthopedic surgeon.)

Completed in 2018, the 26,000 square-foot Robert Maloff Center is home to the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness where care teams focus on coordinated care, addressing the entire patient, not just a specific issue/ treatment.

By combining orthopedics, rehabilitation, performance-based training programs, and overall wellness therapies, Lisa and Robert’s vision of a healthier Lake Tahoe community comes to life under one roof, inside the Robert Maloff Center.

And the Maloff’s philanthropy reminds us all of the transformational power of caring and giving.