Payne Family donates $1 million to Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley

By Adrian Alfaro, Reporter

EDINBURG, Texas – The Payne Family (Payne Auto Group) has made a $1 million gift to Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, establishing the Payne Family Endowment for Pediatric Residency. Driscoll described the gift as “transformational.” 

The endowment will support Driscoll’s newly accredited Pediatric Residency Program, the first and only one of its kind in the RGV. Here is an interview with Austin and Mark Payne.

Matt Wolthoff, president of DCH-RGV, said the gift will fund physician training, educational resources, and professional development opportunities for residents who will soon begin their medical education at his hospital.

“The Payne Family’s gift makes a lasting impact on the Valley,” Wolthoff said. “It’s helping build a program that will not only train physicians but also strengthen our communities for generations to come. These residents will care for our children, our neighbors, and our families, all right here at home.”

Here is an interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Wolthoff:

The Payne Family issued this statement:

“There’s no place quite like the Rio Grande Valley, and the Payne family is committed to supporting the growth of our communities valley-wide.

“We are honored to be a part of Driscoll’s endeavors in bringing the first Pediatric Residency Program to the Valley, which will allow us to attract and retain top talent that provides the best education and care for our region’s children and families. 

“That support and care will have so many ways to make a significant impact on the future of the RGV, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of this program with great hope and faith.” 

Austin Payne is chief operating officer for Payne Auto Group. Mark Payne is chief financial officer for the group. Here is an interview the Guardian secured with Austin and Mark Payne:

The Pediatric Residency Program was accredited in 2025 by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program was announced in September and has already received more than 800 applications. It will welcome its inaugural class of residents in July 2026.

Dr. Mary Huckabee, director of medical dducation for Driscoll Health System, said that by training pediatricians locally, Driscoll is helping address one of the region’s greatest healthcare needs, expanding access to specialized care for children.

“Residency training is where the heart of medicine begins,” Huckabee said. “This endowment will give young physicians the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve close to the communities that need them most. It represents the best of what Driscoll stands for: compassion, education, and commitment to South Texas.”

Here is an interview the Guardian secured with Ana Almeda, chief medical officer for DCH-RGV:

In recognition of the Payne Family’s generosity, Driscoll dedicated the hospital café, now named the Drive-In Diner, with signage honoring the family’s contribution.

The Payne Family joins community partners including Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and Frost Bank, whose gifts also support the residency program. The long-term goal is to grow the endowment to $15 million to sustain pediatric residency training in both Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley.