Local home builders and philanthropists Don and Mira Ball have pledged $2 million to the University of Kentucky to support the UK HealthCare Patient Care Facility Fund in UK HealthCare.

The Balls, who own Ball Homes and Ball Realty, are both UK alumni. They have given to numerous UK programs over the years. Mira Ball was the first chairwoman of the board of trustees.

The donation — a gift of $500,000 and a pledge of $1.5 million — will be used to support construction projects and related priorities of the new University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital. The money will be spent at the discretion of Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Michael Karpf.