Philanthropy
The Livingston HealthCare Foundation is proud to announce that Carol Lalani and the late Sal Lalani have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Debbie Erdman–Lee Freeman Leadership in Philanthropy Award.
The award recognizes individuals whose transformational generosity and leadership have improved the welfare of citizens and enhanced the quality of life in Montana.
The award is named in honor of two individuals whose lives exemplify service and philanthropy. Dr. Deborah Erdman (1950–2022) was a beloved Livingston physician, community leader, and co-chair of the successful campaign that helped build Livingston HealthCare’s current facility. Lee A. Freeman, Jr. is a distinguished attorney and philanthropist whose lifelong commitment to charitable causes has positively impacted communities across the country.
This year’s recipients, Carol and Sal Lalani, embody the spirit of the award through their extraordinary commitment to healthcare, education, the arts, and community development.
Carol Lalani’s ties to Livingston run deep. Her mother, Dulcie, worked for many years as a nurse at Livingston Memorial Hospital. While Carol and Sal were living abroad and building successful careers in international banking, Carol returned to Livingston at her mother’s urging to deliver her son, Shane, under the care of Dr. Deborah Erdman. What began as a physician-patient relationship grew into a lifelong friendship.
Carol built a distinguished international banking career while dedicating herself to humanitarian causes, including advancing education and combating the trafficking and exploitation of women and children. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Sal Lalani earned degrees from Swansea University and the University of Chicago before establishing a highly successful international finance career and founding Sandown Capital Corporation in London.
Together, Carol and Sal have made a lasting impact through their philanthropy. Their generosity has supported numerous causes throughout Montana, including healthcare, education, and the arts. Their legacy at Livingston HealthCare is reflected in the Shane G. Lalani Birth Center, named in memory of their son and dedicated to ensuring exceptional care for families across the region.
“Carol and Sal’s generosity has strengthened our community in countless ways,” said Jessica Wilcox, Executive Director of the Livingston HealthCare Foundation. “Their vision, compassion, and commitment to giving back have created a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
In reflecting on her friendship with Carol, Dr. Erdman once wrote:
"There is no one who cares more or does more for her hometown of Livingston. We are very grateful and fortunate that Carol and Sal have been so generous and loving in all their philanthropic works that have made Livingston a better place to live."
The Livingston HealthCare Foundation is honored to recognize Carol Lalani and the late Sal Lalani with the 2026 Debbie Erdman–Lee Freeman Leadership in Philanthropy Award for their extraordinary generosity, community leadership, and enduring commitment to improving the lives of others.
About Livingston HealthCare Foundation
The Livingston HealthCare Foundation inspires philanthropy to support exceptional healthcare for the communities Livingston HealthCare serves. Through charitable giving, the Foundation advances clinical excellence, innovation, patient care, and community health initiatives throughout the region. For more information, please visit LHCFoundation.org