Conrad Prebys wants the generous gift to go to Scripps' new cardiovascular institute. Scripps will name it after him.
The institute will be housed in a seven-story building under construction on the Scripps La Jolla campus. Hospital officials sayd the center will offer the most advanced treatment options.
Prebys said when he heard about it, he was sold.
"I became so excited about the prospects, it was almost instantaneous," Prebys said. "And that's the way it is with any philanthropic cause I get involved with. It's gotta turn me on."
Prebys has also been turned on enough to donate large amounts to UCSD, the San Diego Zoo, and the Sanford-Burnham Institute.
The Indiana native made his fortune in real estate. He owns thousands of rental properties nationwide.
