Given his reputation in luxury retail, it’s fitting that the latest philanthropic endeavor of retired Neiman Marcus Group CEO Burt Tansky and wife Rita be special: the establishment of the Rita and Burt Tansky Concierge Suites, consisting of seven suites on the top floor of Jupiter Medical Center’s new Patient Tower.
Fueled by personal experience, Burt and Rita Tansky have an unwavering compassion for patients and their families. Set to open in fall 2019, the spacious accommodations will offer the most unique concierge experience in the region. well-appointed suite will include not only the best in medical care and a concierge associate looking after patients’ needs but also perks like plush bathrobes, high-thread-count linens, upscale toiletries, and private space for family overnight stays. Besides afternoon tea and gourmet meals, the unit will offer a pantry for impromptu light bites and a comfortable lounge for patients and guests. In addition, each suite will have a fridge stocked with the patient’s favorite items, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows and aromatherapy to enhance healing and well-being during a stressful time.
“A luxury opportunity for patients seemed like a natural fit,” says Burt.
The Tanskys are committed to doing what they can to make things more comfortable for anyone receiving medical care, dipping their toes in by funding the nurses’ station at Frenchman’s Creek Digestive Center for Excellence. “It was a brand-new area of the hospital at the time,” says Rita. The couple also financed a waiting area for Jupiter Medical Center’s 18-bed observation unit that opened in January. “Families may have to wait several hours to hear what the doctors conclude, so we wanted to offer a modern, beautifully furnished area with refreshments,” explains Burt.
All in all, the Tanskys have donated nearly $2 million to Jupiter Medical Center’s expansion and upgrades. They have also donated significantly to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the University of Pittsburgh and its Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens, St. Barnabus Hospital in New Jersey, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, National Jewish Health in Denver, and a scholarship fund at Florida Atlantic University’s Honors College.
Charitable giving has always been a part of their lives—but for the Tanskys, it’s not just about writing checks. While at Neiman Marcus, Burt established a corporate philanthropy division at the company and participated in charitable activities alongside his team. And with the Concierge Suites at Jupiter Medical Center, he and Rita are working closely with the development office on certain aspects of the suites to ensure a top-notch outcome.
The Tanskys have been a team since meeting back in high school in Pittsburgh. Rita was 14; Burt was 15. Five years later, they married while students at the University of Pittsburgh—61 years ago.
The son of a beautician and a stay-at-home mother, Burt says he “learned the importance of hard work and dedication to the family and doing the right thing” from his parents. The eldest of three children and only son, he worked throughout high school and college. “We were not wealthy, but my mother and father worked very hard to make sure we had all we needed,” he recalls.
Rita, whose father was a store owner and mother was a teacher, was also raised with high principles. “My parents were philanthropic and involved with a number of charities,” she says.
She raised their two children as Burt’s career and travel kept him very busy. They moved a number of times to take advantage of career opportunities and finally settled in Dallas, where they spent 17 years before Burt retired. “I’d stay behind so the children could finish school before making the next move,” Rita recalls. “It wasn’t easy, but I always adjusted.” Says Burt: “Rita was and is a phenomenal mother. She raised our children beautifully, and we’re proud of their accomplishments.”
After a visit a decade ago, the Tanskys chose to retire to Florida at Frenchman’s Creek Beach and Country Club. “It seemed like the most wonderful place,” Burt says. “The weather, no state income tax, and we have friends who live here. Frenchman’s Creek offered the quality lifestyle we had been hoping to find in Florida.”
Throughout life, one thing has been unfailing: Burt’s sense of humor. Regarding the new Tansky Concierge Suites, he quips: “They may be luxurious, but I wouldn’t recommend vacationing there. It’s one place you don’t want to stay unless you need to. But then, you’ll be really glad you did.”