Herb Chambers, owner of New England’s largest dealership group, has made the largest donation of his life: a $100 million contribution to Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General) to help fund cancer research and treatment.
The donation will go toward creating the Herb Chambers Tower, which is set to open in 2027 as part of a $1.9 billion expansion near Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. This new facility will serve as Mass General’s cancer care and research hub, with 228 inpatient beds dedicated to fighting the disease.
Chambers called the donation “intensely personal” in a statement to the Boston Globe, explaining that he feels indebted to the Massachusetts community and its people, who have supported him throughout his successful career. “Financially, I’ve done well… I want to give back for what I’ve received,” he shared.
The donation equates to roughly $7,000 for each day since Chambers purchased his first dealership in 1985.
According to Forbes, Chambers has an estimated net worth of $2.9 billion, the third-wealthiest dealer in the U.S. and fourth globally.
This significant contribution comes as part of a broader expansion effort by Mass General to consolidate cancer care under one roof. David Brown, president of Mass General’s academic medical centers, lauded Chambers’ vision, noting that the new facility will provide more streamlined, comfortable treatment for cancer patients.
At the December 11 event announcing the donation, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised Chambers for his generosity, stating that it would make Mass General’s cancer center “even greater.” She also joked, “It’s also a lot of cars.”
