NEWS > Clients in the News
Updated May 2013
Montgomery Hospice Raises $6.3 million toward their goal of $8 million
April Prideworthy News
Montgomery Hospice Raises $6.3 million toward their goal of $8 million
Congratulations to Montgomery Hospice in Rockville, Maryland, who passed the $6.3 million marker of their $8 million campaign, "Gentle the Journey".
Three Decades of Pride in Athens Regional's Employee Giving Program
According to Helene Schwartz, M.Ed., Director of the Athens Regional Foundation, “PRIDE runs deep in our employee giving program.”
Getting Involved for Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.) is the name Athens Regional Health System employees gave to their giving club. Over nearly 30 years, contributing G.I.F.T. members have contributed more than $3.7 million to the Athens, Georgia hospital’s Guest House, Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, Breast Health Center and its mobile mammography unit, Cancer Care Services campaign, and the current Neonatal Intensive Care Unit campaign. G.I.F.T. is consistently a lead donor to the institution’s capital campaigns.
While 90% of each donation goes to the current capital campaign, two meaningful programs each receive 5%. The Employee Disaster Relief Fund (EDRF) gives grants up to $1,000 for employees going through a catastrophic event, such as a fire, death in the family or even spousal abuse. Similarly, the well-received G.I.F.T. Grants program shares the wealth with hospital departments, who apply for the mini-grants of $500 - $5,000.
While G.I.F.T. has grown dramatically through the years – approximately two-thirds of employees participate – it has not been immune to recent changes in the economy and increases in health insurance premiums. To keep everyone’s spirits lifted, and those important contributions flowing, “G.I.F.T. Thank You Days” have increased. On Valentine’s Day, employees were given a chocolate “kiss” by committee members, and the committee chair and the hospital COO rounded on the third shift. For the upcoming Hospital Week Picnic, seeded paper in the shape of flowers will be given out along with a poem thanking members. And everyone looks forward to the annual Ice Cream Social in August!
New employees frequently make a G.I.F.T. commitment at orientation. By “giving a little back,” Athens Regional Health System’s employees send a clear and compelling message to their community.
Samuel L. Jackson Narrates the Chattanooga History Center's Video!
Visitors to the new Chattanooga History Center will hear a familiar voice when they're greeted by a 10-minute orientation film. Actor and Chattanooga native Samuel L. Jackson has provided the narration for the project, according to Daryl Black, executive director of the center. "As someone who was raised in Chattanooga, I'm excited to be part of this effort that will tell the real story of Chattanooga and the events that helped shape its history," Jackson said in a news release.
A Place Like Home… Campaign for the Hospice House of South Mississippi
The Forrest General Healthcare Foundation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi held a press conference on March 12, and announced the campaign kick-off for the $5 million Hospice House of South Mississippi.
“The fundraising campaign has been many years in the making, and we are excited to be able to kick it off, and begin showing the community what this Hospice House will offer to families,” said Foundation President Bill Oliver. “$1.5 million has already been raised, with $500,000 of that contributed by hospital employees. We believe that the support shown by the Forrest General Hospital employees sets a great precedence for our community, and encourage community members and businesses to follow their lead, and help us make this vision a reality. The 12-patient hospice house will be built solely through charitable donations, will be completed by mid-2015, and placed on five acres of donated land in Hattiesburg.
Click here to link to video to view news coverage on the Press conference
Lane Regional Medical Center Named 2013 Hospital of the Year
Lane Regional Medical Center was named "2013 Acute Care Hospital of the Year" (61-160 beds) at the 12th Annual Nightingale Awards, held on February 16, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. This is the first time the hospital has received this award. The annual Nightingale Awards are sponsored by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation and the Louisiana State Nurses Association to recognize excellence in nursing and quality service in the nursing and healthcare industry.
Chattanooga History Center Receives $250,000 Challenge Grant from Lyndhurst Foundation
The Chattanooga History Center has received a challenge grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, where all individual and corporate contributions of any amount will be matched dollar-for-dollar for the remainder of 2013 – up to $250,000. The Chattanooga History Center will use the challenge grant to encourage individuals, families and corporations to support the Center’s ongoing capital campaign, which has raised more than $8.5 million of its $10.5 million fund-raising goal.
“With this challenge grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, we are one step closer to the completion of Chattanooga’s next big idea – the Chattanooga History Center,” according to Cannon and Rick Montague, board members of the Chattanooga History Center and co-chairs of its capital campaign.
Construction is currently underway on the 19,500-square-foot museum, which is located in the downtown Aquarium Plaza and scheduled to open in late 2013. The Center has also enlisted Ralph Appelbaum Associates to design and build an innovative exhibit space that uses storytelling and the power of the narrative to engage and inspire visitors. Ralph Appelbaum Associates has successfully used this approach as part of the firm’s award-winning design work with many of the nation’s top museums, including the U.S. Holocaust Museum, The Country Music Hall of Fame, The NASCAR Museum, The National World War I Museum and the Newseum.
Brook Lane Named Large Business of the Year
Brook Lane was awarded the Large Business of the Year Award by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and the Hagerstown, Washington County Economic Development Commission. The award was presented to the business with over 50 employees and demonstrated service quality, job creation, strong community involvement, held high business standards, and was committed to serving Washington County.
For over 60 years, Brook Lane has provided mental health services for adults, and outpatient and partial hospitalization services for clients of all ages, provides jobs for over 370 people, and has added over 30 positions during the past year.
Two new partial hospitalization programs have been added; one on the main campus serving adults ages 18 and over; and a similar program in Frederick for children and adolescents. The Stone Brook Group Home for Girls was opened in late 2011.
Funding by a private donor, whose interest is educating mental health professionals locally, has enabled Brook Lane to provide a series of professional education seminars to over 1,000 mental health professionals, on such topics as personality disorders, ethical issues, and grief.
Brook Lane envisions a community strengthened by comprehensive behavioral health services. Concerned about the lack of available inpatient beds to care for children in need of services (nearly 400 children and adolescents were denied admission due to a lack of available beds), Brook Lane applied and has been awarded a $1.1 million grant to add 14 beds. Construction should begin this summer.
Lynn Rushing, CEO accepted the award on the behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Brook Lane. He shared, “This is a great honor for us in gaining community recognition for the work we do and the many growth efforts we have been involved in over the past year.”
MAG Foundation and UGA Join Forces to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse
The Medical Association of Georgia Foundation (MAG Foundation) has teamed up with Creative Consultants, the student-run public relations agency at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens, to promote its Think About It campaign to prevent prescription drug abuse in the state.
The MAG Foundation and Creative Consultants recently met to discuss ways to raise awareness on the UGA campus in Athens, according to Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D., a Gainesville ophthalmologist who serves as the MAG Foundation’s secretary/treasurer. "We are planning an informational meeting – or a 'blue card' event - for UGA faculty and staff and students to inform them about the dangers of prescription drug use." He says outreach activities will include student "alerts".
Creative Consultants Account Executive Alexandra Prather notes that, "We will also be working with area restaurants and using social media to promote the effort." And she says the MAG Foundation and Creative Consultants will collaborate with the UGA/Athens police departments to place prescription drug disposal boxes on the UGA campus.
Learn more at www.rxdrugabuse.org.
Fairmont General Hospital Foundation Completes Campaign
Fairmont General Hospital Foundation has completed the "Improving Women's Health" campaign, passing its $500,000 goal to purchase a new digital mammography unit.
Frank Pulice, Jr., Foundation Director, said that the campaign success should not be measured only by the dollars raised, but also by what was accomplished for the prevention of breast cancer in Marion County. "Everyone came together to support this cause in an effort to decrease the incidences due to breast cancer in Marion County."
Core support has been from Radiological Physician Associates, Dr. John and Marcy Leon, and the Marion County Commission.
Fairmont General Hospital CEO, Robert Marquardt said, "Through the communities' support, we hope to increase access to care, and to reduce the mortality rate due to breast cancer. Thank you to each and every member of the community that participated in this campaign. With your help we are one step closer to the prevention of breast cancer."
DeKalb Medical Launches $2 Million Campaign
DeKalb just launched their new $2 million Advancing Hope and Healing campaign with a Hard Hat Tour of the Radiation Oncology Suite. The Advancing Hope and Healing campaign will raise $2 million to expand the radiation oncology program at the North Decatur campus, and expand the breast cancer center at the Hillandale campus in Lithonia. Learn more at www.dekalbmedical.org.
Elachee Nature Science Center Nears Goal
Elachee Nature Science Center has raised enough money toward their goal to build a preschool and they can now begin construction. Doors are set to open in the Fall of 2013.
South Georgia “Tops Out!”
South Georgia Medical Center’s “Stories of Healing” campaign recently celebrated it's halfway mark at the same time as the contractor celebrated their ‘topping-out’ of the construction project. The SGMC Foundation presented the Hospital Authority Chairman, Bill Cowart, a check for $1 million dollars to go towards the Foundation's $4.1 million dollar fundraising goal for the Dasher Memorial Heart Center and patient tower project. Mr. and Mrs. Joe V. Dasher, Jr. have gifted a total of $1.5 million towards the Dasher Memorial Heart Center since its inception in 2000.
Munroe Reaches Out to Grateful Patients with "Caring Hands"
The Munroe Medical Center Foundation in Ocala, Florida, has personalized and re-focused its grateful patient campaign, yielding excellent dividends. A personalized letter is now mailed to all patients (including some out-patients) three to four weeks after their hospital stay, asking them to recall their care, and consider honoring a physician, nurse, patient care tech, or volunteer that took care of them, or their loved one, during their hospital stay. The program was renamed “Caring Hands,” and doubled grateful patient donations in one year.
In November, a $20,000 check arrived with the “Caring Hands” honor form from a woman whose husband had tremendous care in Munroe’s SICU. Although he passed away while in the SICU unit, his wife was overwhelmed with the respect and dignity shown to him and their family. The staff’s compassionate and quality care motivated her to make a significant gift of thanks. The SICU staff will be recognized with a reception hosted by the CEO and Foundation Board Chairman.
St. Elizabeth Joins Forces with the Mayo Clinic
St. Elizabeth Healthcare has become the newest member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. St. Elizabeth, based in the Greater Cincinnati area, is the first health system in Kentucky, Indiana, or Ohio to have passed Mayo's rigorous review process and been selected as a member of the year-old network. The Mayo Clinic Care Network extends Mayo Clinic's knowledge and expertise to physicians and providers interested in working together in the best interest of their patients.
St. Elizabeth physicians will now be able to connect with Mayo Clinic specialists on questions of patient care using an electronic consulting technique called eConsults. St. Elizabeth physicians also will have access to Mayo-vetted medical information through the AskMayoExpert database. These tools, in addition to health care consulting, were developed by Mayo Clinic to help organizations such as St. Elizabeth provide the best care and improve their systems and the health of their communities.
The Mayo Clinic Care Network represents non-ownership relationships. With Mayo Clinic, members of the network share a commitment to improve the quality and delivery of health care. The network began in 2011 and also has member organizations in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire and North Dakota.
Georgetown Hospital System Plans Dramatic Renovations
Georgetown Memorial Hospital's earlier plans to build a new hospital were foiled by the recession, but the South Carolina hospital system recently announced a dramatic overhaul of it southernmost campus. A multi-year, multi-phase project will transform the 62-year-old hospital. A $22 million investment by hospital Trustees will begin the first phase to improve patient access, spruce up the outside of the hospital, move the main entrance and replace the building's aging necessities such as the heating and air conditioning system. Work is starting immediately, and should take about two years. This first phase will include a new operating suite and cardiac care. A second phase could include a new patient tower on the existing campus, that would include patient beds.
The Georgetown Hospital System Foundation is in the quiet phase of a $5 million campaign in support of the project, as well as other hospital system initiatives, including new operating rooms on the Waccamaw campus.
Hard Hats and Carpet Bombs
The Chattanooga History Center is conducting a month-long launch of the final phase of their $10.5 million campaign, and is determined to complete and open their beautiful new facility next year, in time for Chattanooga's Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration. The multi-leveled launch includes a major press conference and local media coverage media, banners throughout the community, an annual special event called the History-Makers luncheon (featuring an instrumental Chattanooga family), corporate gifts cultivation tours to introduce the new Chief John Ross Society, an introductory reception for the new Society of 1816, solicitation training for all their newly recruited development committee members, and the establishment of The Chattanooga Club for annual donors. More recently, with construction underway, the CHC is conducting hard hat tours for as many people as possible, in a tactic one trustee calls "carpet bombing."
DeKalb’s Dr. Bobbie Bailey is Atlanta’s “Philanthropist of the Year”
Atlanta will celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD) October 25, at the Georgia Aquarium.
Across the nation, local and regional NPD celebrations bring together professional and volunteer fundraisers, individual philanthropists, and corporate and foundation grant makers to acknowledge the important role of philanthropy, and to recognize key individuals who have made an impact on their communities.
In addition to honoring Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year, Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow, and Teen Volunteer of the Year, Atlanta’s event will recognize Dr. M. Bobbie Bailey as Philanthropist of the Year.
Through her generous support, Dr. Bailey – the largest individual donor in the Foundation’s history – DeKalb Medical has installed a powerful new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine for both inpatient and outpatient use at the North Decatur campus. “With Dr. Bailey’s continued support, acquiring the latest equipment keeps us on the forefront of medical imaging. We want to be ahead of the curve in providing quality care to our patients, and with this Skyra 3T scanner, we will be for quite a while,” said Dr. Gordon Hixson, radiologist, DeKalb Medical.
“Dr. Bailey’s gift will benefit thousands of people in our community. We are so grateful for her support throughout the years. Her donations have funded cutting-edge technology including a PET/CT scanner, the daVinci Robotic Surgical System and now the 3T MRI that our physicians and healthcare teams utilize to deliver the latest, state-of-the-art medical treatment to our patients,” said Leigh Minter, executive director, DeKalb Medical Foundation.
Pride Philanthropy is proud to join the DeKalb Medical Foundation family in congratulating Dr. Bailey on this well-deserved honor.
Introducing the Chattanooga Club
The new Chattanooga History Center, located on the river front in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will vividly portray Chattanooga’s many cultures, challenges and achievements in a way that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. More than 90 minutes of short films and audio-scapes will work with the History Center’s vast collection of artifacts to tell Chattanooga’s amazing story.
The Chattanooga History Center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013, and generous individuals, businesses and organizations have already shown a great deal of support. Over the last two years, more than $7.6 million has been raised toward the $10.5 million goal to complete the final stage of construction and fabrication of exhibits.
Newly formed fundraising committees, are actively enlisting the support of the community. The Chattanooga Club plans to launch its first Annual Appeal on October 15th, and the Chief John Ross Society is planning to hold "Get Acquainted Meeting/Socials” to include a tour of the Center's construction site for corporate donor prospects in November.
The Chattanooga History Center’s new space on the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza allows visitors to explore the Chattanooga Story through story-telling and interactive exhibits that are both engaging and historically accurate. Learn more about The Chattanooga History Center and The Chattanooga Club at www.chattanoogahistory.org.
Munroe Crosses the Finish Line Early!
On August 9th, the Munroe Regional Medical Center Foundation hosted the Grand Opening for the new Children’s Emergency Department at Munroe. The new emergency department takes the place of Children’s Express, which was only open 12 hours per day, and was across the street from the main ED. In 2011, Munroe Regional Medical Center treated 25,000 children in the emergency department. The new Children’s ED will serve the children of Marion County more efficiently and effectively. The facility has a family friendly waiting room with a water and forest theme, nine exam rooms, an x-ray room, and a triage room. The emergency department will be open 24-7 and staffed with certified pediatric emergency nurses and physicians.
The Munroe Foundation raised the $2,000,000 for the construction of the Children’s Emergency Department. A goal of three years was set to raise the money, but due to the generosity of the citizens of Marion County, the goal was accomplished in two years. Munroe employees contributed $450,000 to the campaign.
Order of the Good Samaritan Highlights Another Successful Year at Frederick Memorial
The Frederick Memorial Hospital Development Council has concluded another successful fiscal year, thanks in part to the results of their Order of the Good Samaritan program. The Special Gifts Committee secured 39 new members, and encouraged 17 current members to increase their level of giving, resulting in $671,041 in gifts. In recognition of their efforts, the committee will be recognized at a hosted dinner at the home of health system CEO, Thomas Kleinhanzl.
Claiborne Healthcare Foundation Exceeds Goal!
Major donors to the "Critical Care . . . Close to Home" campaign for Homer Memorial Hospital in Homer, Louisiana were recently honored at a luncheon held at the hospital. Those in attendance had the opportunity to take a “sneak preview” of the new Intensive Care Unit that will that will be open to the public in mid September.
The Claiborne Healthcare Foundation raised $1,135,368, exceeding the $1 million goal. “It has been a privilege to work with the staff at the hospital, and a great pleasure to work with so many dedicated volunteers on our first-ever campaign,” says Foundation Chairman, Ronald Day. “Our entire community has given of their time, talents, and financial resources to make the new ICU a reality, and the employees of Homer Memorial have raised more than $100,000 for renovations to the hospital cafeteria. Together we are all making a difference that will impact not only us, but generations to come.”
DeKalb Medical Foundation's eNewsletter is a Hit!
DeKalb Medical Foundation's Elisabeth Rubino joined Pride Philanthropy's Karen Barnes at June's TechKnow conference in Orlando, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Their session and case study shared some of the impressive results of DeKalb's implementation of their new eNewsletter communications. The Foundation has shown an extremely high open rate of over 38% for each newsletter, along with an average 30% clickthrough rate (national averages are about 15% and 2%, respectively). In addition, through research, pooling resources and combining their efforts with the marketing department, their email list has quadruapled in size over the last 9 months. To sign up for their eNewsletter, please visit www.dekalbmedical.org.
St. Elizabeth Sets $15 Million Goal
Northern Kentucky's St. Elizabeth Healthcare Foundation has set a $15 million fundraising goal in support of the visionary Heart and Vascular Institute. This system-wide initiative will transform cardiovascular care and heart health in the region. The St. Elizabeth Foundation adopted the project and goal following a comprehensive feasibility study and facilitated retreat. Pride Philanthropy is particularly pleased to continue our relationship with St. Elizabeth, as well as Vice President, Larry Warkoczeski.
Holmes Regional Medical Center Celebrates Its 30th Benefit Ball
The first Holmes Regional Medical Center Benefit Ball was held at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront in November 1982. Dr. Robert Mandel, a physician with the Holmes Radiology staff, saw the event as an opportunity to involve the community in support of the hospital. The event was a hit! In 2001, more than 900 people attended “Roaring into the 20’s.” The 25th Anniversary of the Benefit Ball was celebrated in 2007.
This year, the 30th Anniversary of the Benefit Ball will benefit the Trauma Program and Telemedicine Services at Health First, connecting all four hospital Emergency Departments to improve patient care in trauma and emergency situations. Over three decades, dedicated volunteers have helped the event raise over $4.5 million.
Baptist Hospital's $35 Million Campus Transformation
Less than two years ago, Baptist Hospital, Pensacola, Florida, the flagship facility for Baptist Health Care, announced a vision that would transform its campus into one of the most aesthetically and technologically advanced medical facilities in the region. That vision came to fruition and exceeded even the greatest expectations with the completion of its $35 million project, one of the largest in Baptist Health Care's 60-year history.
Patients and visitors are now welcomed by the campus's new main entrance on Moreno Street and an expansive two-story addition providing convenient access to the hospital, family areas and the Baptist Bistro. The operating rooms have been expanded and updated to support the growing number of innovative surgical services offered at Baptist Hospital: oncology, heart and vascular, orthopedics, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, and a wide range of general surgical services.
Dalton's $3 Million Gift
Congratulations to Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hamilton Health Care System in Dalton, Georgia, who has received a $3 million lead gift from Catherine and the Willis Mashburn Estate, in support of their new $6 million Capital Campaign to support Hamilton's plans for a $15 million project to renovate and expand Cardiac Care and Medical Intensive Care Services.
Catherine and Willis Mashburn have been supporters of Hamilton Medical Center since 1993 making it possible for Hamilton to purchase the most advanced cardiac catheterization diagnostic services available for heart patients, followed by additional support in 2006 enabling Hamilton to update the Cardiac Catheterization Lab with an all-digital cardiovascular imaging system.
“This is the largest campaign goal in the history of the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation's fund raising efforts", said Sharon Love, Foundation Director. "The Trustees recognize the tremendous technological advancements in cardiac and medical intensive care services and the critical need to expand these service areas for the citizens of this community. Our community has been fortunate to be on the forefront in development of high quality medical services and these projects are vital to continuing that position.”
Caring for DeKalb's Grateful Patients
DeKalb Medical Foundation in Decatur, Georgia, continues to successfully expand its innovative, clinically-based, grateful patient initiative, after adding a registered nurse to serve in the role of Foundation Liaison. Her job description includes closely guiding patients and families through their hospital experience, while educating and garnering support from physicians and clinical staff for this new concierge-type service for targeted donors.
"I serve as an extension of their family," said Beverly Hutchinson, RN. "I'm with them at the hospitals at 5 am or 11 pm -- whatever time they need support, and in whatever way we can help make their experience positive and seamless."
The new program has been favorably received by patients, families, physicians, and other clinical staff. In recent months, DeKalb has received two gifts of tribute from previous patients for their cancer center campaign. The first was $200,000 in honor of two patients, and was designated for marketing the cancer center. The second was $50,000 for a cancer genetics seminar.
First-Ever Employee Campaign Supports Digital Mammography
Employees at Fairmont General Hospital in Fairmont, West Virginia, rallied to support the first employee giving campaign by making one year pledges totaling $48,500. Employees who pledged became members of FAMILY – Fostering and Making Investments Lasting Years. Employee gifts will support the Foundation’s "Improving Women's Health" campaign, to purchase a digital mammography equipment as well as raise awareness for early detection and ultimately, decrease the death rate in Marion County which is 25% higher than the national or state average. This brings the total dollars raised to $277,000, toward the campaign's $500,000 goal to be completed this September.
SGMC Employees Set the Pace
Employees at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta are funding a massive new extension with their own money. Construction of a new patient tower will soon begin, thanks in part to $470,000 donated by hospital staff members. The new facility will house the Dasher Heart Center and 96-private patient rooms. SGMC employee
Mindy Bates told a local TV news reporter why she wanted to help, saying “I've worked here for eight years, and I've seen how much this hospital does for the community, and how much it does for their own employees; and it just makes me want to invest what they gave to me, invest it back.” Bates says she will donate about $10,000 over a 10 year period, through automatic deductions from her paychecks. SGMC Foundation Director Elizabeth Vickers added, "this is the largest construction project in 30 years; and it’s great to consolidate all of our heart services into one area."
Oncology Waiting Area Named By Family
As the patriarch of the Pyeatt family, long-time Searcy Arkansa resident Phil Pyeatt, says he wanted to give to the Cancer Center in loving memory of his wife Jean, who pasted away from cancer nearly 10 years ago. “She received excellent medical from the CARTI sstaff and White County Medical Center is a remarkable medical facility. “ Mr. Pyeatt’s $50,000 gift to the My Life Has Been Touched by Cancer Campaign helped to bring the campaign efforts to $1.7 M.
DeKalb Medical Center Foundation Chair Among Most Influencial Georgians
Robert "Bob" Wilson, Chair of the DeKalb Medical Center Foundation, was named one of the 2012 “100 Most Influential Georgians” in the January issue of Georgia Trend magazine ("The Magazine of Georgia Business, Politics and Economic Development since 1985"). Bob is Attorney/Partner with Wilson, Morton & Downs in Decatur. The former three-term DeKalb County district attorney works in the areas of general litigation, education, and municipal law. He's also worked with every Georgia governor since Joe Frank Harris, including four special investigations. The most recent one, undertaken with former Attorney General Mike Bowers, uncovered widespread cheating on standardized tests in the Atlanta and Dougherty County school systems.
A Lasting Memorial in Homer, Louisiana
The Claiborne Healthcare Foundation in Homer, Louisiana recently received a $100,000 donation from Mr. and Mrs. James Rockhold, given in memory of Mr. Rockhold's grandparents. This gift brings the total amount raised for construction of a new ICU and Cafeteria renovations to $1,020,850, surpassing their $1,000,000 goal! With increased costs of construction, and to assist with equipment needs, the Foundation is continuing their efforts to raise additional funds for the Critical Care . . . Close to Home Campaign.
Fairmont General's Campaign Receives Largest Gift To Date
Fairmont General Hospital Foundation in Fairmont, West Virginia recently announced that the "Improving Women's Health" campaign has received its largest donation to date. Radiological Physician Associates and Dr. and Mrs. John Leon made a gift for $50,000, making them the first members of the Signature Gifts Club! This brings the total dollars raised to $220,000, toward the campaign’s $500,000 first quarter goal.
Montgomery Hospice Reaches $5 million
Congratulations to Montgomery Hospice in Rockville, Maryland, for reaching $5 million in cash and pledges towards the $8 million goal for their Gentle the Journey campaign. This campaign began in January 2010, and funds are designated towards an endowment for nursing services at Casey House, the inpatient hospice facility, and overall program needs such as Hospice at Home, bereavement programs, counseling and community educational sessions. To know more about this most successful campaign, to view the campaign video, and to learn more about the great work they do at Montgomery Hospice, go to www.montgomeryhospice.org.
Fairmont General Hospital Foundation Receives $20,000 Corporate Gift
Congratulations to the Fairmont General Hospital Foundation in Fairmont, West Virginia who received a $20,000 donation from CONSOL Energy. The gift will be applied toward their current "Improving Women's Health" campaign, which was established to raise awareness for early detection and ultimately, decrease the death rate in Marion County which is 25% higher than the national or state average.
"The gift from CONSOL came at the perfect time to help us meet our internal target goal of $210,000 by December 31, 2011. With this gift, we will be that much closer to reaching our ultimate campaign goal of $500,000" said Frank Pulice Jr., Foundation Director. "We were glad to meet with Dennis Ewedosh from CONSOL and appreciate his kindness and loyalty, especially during the busy holiday season."
Employees Set Campaign Pace
South Georgia Medical Center has served as a cornerstone of the community, providing superior, patient-centered healthcare, and investing in medical advancements. As demand for its services - including open-heart surgery program - have grown, South Georgia Medical Center has responded to its community's needs. Most recently, the Board of Trustees has approved construction of a new four-story patient tower, which will include:
- All private patient rooms for SGMC's full 335 licensed beds
- 2 Cardiac Catheterization Labs
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- 16-bed cardiac intensive care unit
- 32-bed medical/surgical intensive care unit
- 24-bed surgical specialty unit
- Controlled monitoring station
- Family waiting and support areas
The total cost of this project is projected at $60 million. The South Georgia Medical Center Foundation has committed to raising $4.1 million in support of the project. The hospital's staff has set the pace. We are pleased to report that 615 employees have pledged a total of $470,315. Congratulations!
A Very Grateful Patient
A simple thank you would have been sufficient. However, a grateful patient in Arkansas wanted to thank her physician and his team in a much larger way. She was so appreciative of the care she had received throughout her cancer treatment from her oncologist and his nurse, the office staff and even the care she had received from her many visits to the hospital that she gave an anonymous gift of $100,000 in their honor to the White County Medical Foundation in Searcy, Arkansas, to be used to help fund the new Cancer Center of Excellence.
During several months of cultivation, she shared with Cassandra Feltrop, Executive Director of the Foundation, that "We are simple people, we have lead a simple life, we are not rich, but we have been blessed and we want to honor my doctor and his staff for the wonderful care that we have received." Her physician was medical oncologist Dr. Ryan Koch with White County Oncology, and the donor wanted him to receive all of the credit for the gift because he had been such a blessing to her during her cancer treatment. Because of his huge heart for his patients, Dr. Koch was recently presented with the first-ever Heartbeat Award from the White County Medical Foundation. The Heartbeat Award was created this year to recognize physicians, volunteers, or staff members for their outstanding dedication, commitment and support to our grateful patients at White County Medical Center.
Campaign Completed
The PinnacleHealth Foundation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is celebrating the end of their Strengthening the Lifeline campaign. The $12 million campaign began in 2008 with three components: expand community health resources to increase access; streamline emergency department processes and systems to serve patients better; and build a new emergency department on the Harrisburg Campus. The emergency department has been named after Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler in honor of their $5 million gift. The day before the grand opening celebration last month, the Foundation had raised $11.5 million. The morning of the event they received two last minute gifts which put them over goal. To the over thousand donors who supported the multi-facility system’s campaign, PinnacleHealth says, “Thank you! We can now gratefully say, ’The lifeline has been strengthened!’”
Fairmont General Hospital Foundation Launches 2011-2012 Campaign
Members of the Fairmont General Hospital Foundation, along with the Woman’s Club of Fairmont, came together on Friday, October 14th to announce the Foundation’s $500,000 Campaign “Improving Women’s Health”.
Funds raised will be used to replace the hospital’s current 17-year-old analog mammography unit with a new digital unit. Renovations to the existing radiology suite will also be included, and will provide a more private atmosphere for patients.
"While the incidence of breast cancer in Marion County is roughly equal to the rest of the state and the country, the death rate due to breast cancer is about 25 percent higher here than in other parts of the state," said Robert Marquardt, President and CEO of Fairmont General Hospital. "Our campaign will greatly benefit the women in our area and hopefully lead to a decrease in the late detection of breast cancer and death rate across Marion County and the state of West Virginia.”
To date, $148,000 has been raised. You can view the campaign kick-off videos aired by local news stations at:
www.wboy.com
www.wdtv.com
www.wdtv.com
www.timeswv.com
Program Launch: Partnership for Prevention of Drug Abuse
Keynote Speaker: Georgia Governor, Nathan Deal
Among the state's elite were keynote speaker, Governor Nathan Deal, and representatives and collaborative partners from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Hall County Drug-Free Coalition. Also in attendance were Tommy and Chantal Bagwell, the campaign's initial donors who announced their $100,000 lead gift at the event. Leading the statewide development effort are Dallas Gay of Protein Products, Inc., Dr. Joy Maxey of Atlanta Children's Clinical Center, and Dr. Jack Chapman of Gainesville Eye Associates.
View video: CLICK HERE
Learn more: CLICK HERE
Hall County Drug Free Coalition, "Face It": CLICK HERE
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Members of the Claiborne Healthcare Foundation, Homer Memorial Board members, staff, donors, and the community at large in Homer, Louisiana, gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new Intensive Care Unit last month. Foundation members are in the final stretch of completing a $1 million capital campaign to build a new ICU and renovate the hospital cafeteria. View the local news video: CLICK HERE
First-time Employee Campaigns - A Great Success!
Congratulations to Humility of Mary Health Partners Development Foundation, in Boardman, Ohio, for securing one-year pledges from more than 375 employees who became members of the ROSE (Reaching Out Serving Employees) Club. Jim Schultis, President of the Foundation, announced, "This has been the most successful acquisition campaign the Foundation has done." With support from employees totaling $120,000, and the commitments made from the community at large, the Foundation has raised $3.5 million to the build the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center, scheduled to open November 2011.
The HMHP Development Foundation secures funding to support a variety of projects, programs and services that enhance healthcare for: St. Elizabeth Health Center, St Joseph Health Center, St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center, Humility of Mary Home Health Services, The Assumption Village, Humility House, Hospice of the Valley and Laurel Lake Retirement Community.
Hats off to the employees at Highland Community Hospital in Picayune, Mississippi, who conducted their first employee drive Movin on up . . . We finally got our piece of the pie! to support the building of the new hospital and to establish the CAPE (Catastrophic Assistance Program for Employees) Fund. Donations from 127 employees who are now members of the eXcel (Exceeding Care at Every Level) Club made three-year pledges totaling $101,365, and employees will have the dining area in the new hospital named in their honor.
Highland Community Hospital is a 95-bed, full-service facility that serves as Pearl River County's only acute-care medical facility. The Forrest General Healthcare Foundation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, supports fundraising efforts for Highland Community Hospital.
Pilot Program Underway
The Medical Association of Georgia Foundation's community pilot program for prescription drug abuse awareness and prevention will be introduced on August 3 at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee program. "The Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic" will feature a panel including Healthcare Committee Chairman and MAG Foundation Board member Dr. Jack Chapman along with leaders from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Hall County Drug Free Coalition, and Greater Hall Chamber "Drugs Don't Work" Coordinator.
"Having served as the president of the Medical Association of Georgia, I know firsthand that prescription drug abuse has evolved into an epidemic problem in the state," says Jack Chapman Jr., M.D., an ophthalmologist with Gainesville Eye Clinics. "The upcoming Healthcare Committee panel discussion is going to provide an excellent platform for raising awareness within the community, and I believe it's got the potential to serve as a catalyst for solutions."
The first component of the MAGF campaign was the adoption of a comprehensive drug policy in Georgia. That legislation was passed earlier this year and will take effect January 2013.
Significant Gift
Rutherford Hospital Foundation in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, has received a gift from the Eaton Corporation to pay for the entire cost, including food and lodging, for their Camp WheezKnot, a weekend camp for children with chronic asthma. They will have 50 children attend camp from August 12-14, and few of those would be able to pay their own expenses. This is the 13th year of Camp WheezKnot. The camp staff is comprised of Rutherford Hospital medical personnel including a cardio-pulmonary physician, pediatrician, respiratory therapists, nurses, and also past campers who come back from college as volunteers.
Campaign Goal Achieved
Frederick Memorial Hospital's Development Council was pleased to announce the successful completion of its $10 million fundraising goal. This was a particularly significant accomplishment as the Transforming Healthcare campaign was finished a year earlier than the timeframe that was established. The dollars raised will support the Women's Center as well as the Cardiac Catheterization program. The Development Council continues to generate broad based support and its hallmark program is the Order of the Good Samaritan ($10,000 +) which now has over 650 members. Congratulations to Chief Executive Officer, Tom Kleinhanzl, President Chief Development Officer, Ken Coffey, and Vice President and Development Council Chair, Rocky Mackintosh.
Campaign Kickoff
In Valdosta, Georgia, South Georgia Medical Center’s new Stories of Healing campaign started strong with 104 new members and $68,000 for their Cornerstone Club which recognizes annual gift donors. Fifteen community volunteers with individual prospect lists of 10-40 each vied for the $500 top prize gift certificates offered by Giradin Jewelers. Prizes were awarded to the volunteer who recruited the most new memberships and the volunteer who raised the most money. Tina Marzano and Brandi Hobby tied for first with $22,950 each, and Jeremy Davis recruited 21 new members. Each volunteer received Foundation coolers with the campaign logo. Hospital Administrator/COO Randy Sauls applauded their successful efforts at the recognition event. The effort resulted in three new Silver Cross Society ($10,000+) members and one signature gift ($50,000+.)
Not to be outdone, the Volunteer Auxiliary has committed their campaign gift of $150,000, and the employee giving committee is gearing up for a summer membership drive. Using “The Love Boat” theme, the employees anticipate raising over $600,000.
Physician Support Grows
Crittenton Foundation in Rochester, Michigan, just received a $100,000 gift from the Emergency Department physicians, bringing the total in physician pledges to $569,500 for the Tower Project, the hospital's community-wide $20 million capital campaign. Sixty Crittenton physicians have supported the campaign to date, and solicitation efforts are continuing with a goal of $1,000,000 by the close of 2011. This recent physician gift, coupled with 100% giving from the Foundation Board of Directors, bring the total amount raised to $5.6 million. "Through this campaign we have an opportunity to significantly enhance health care in our community for generations to come," said Katy Olsen, Crittenton Foundation President.
Travolta and Signature Support
 Last week the Munroe Foundation in Ocala, Florida, raised over $400,000 at its 6th Annual Flavors of Munroe fundraiser. The night included a $100,000 donation by the Jett Travolta Foundation and a $125,000 donation from Signature Brands. All proceeds raised benefited Munroe Regional Medical Center's Children's Emergency Department project.
"When our son Benjamin was born, we were impressed with the doctors, nurses and staff of Munroe Regional Medical Center. We so appreciated their professionalism, security and results. When we heard they were building a Children's Emergency Department for infants to 17 year olds, we thought that it was a needed and worthwhile addition to the community. It is the perfect project for the Jett Travolta Foundation to support," said John Travolta & Kelly Preston.
"Signature Brands is proud to support Munroe Regional's Children's Emergency Department project with a $125,000 donation," said Jim Schneider, President & CEO of Signature Brands. "Marion County has needed a dedicated, full service Children's Emergency Department for some time and we are pleased that Munroe Regional is moving forward with this initiative and we are honored to be able to contribute to this great cause."
Campaign Receives Major Gift
Congratulations to the The White County Medical Foundation Development Council in Searcy, Arkansas, for receiving $125,000 pledge from Joey Wiggins and Darren Magness with Convacare Management. In honor of their generosity, they will receive a naming opportunity - The Ann Wiggins Diagnostic Center. Additionally, Darren and Tammara Magness have personally pledged $30,000 to name The Dawn Marie Magness Diagnostic Waiting Area.
The Foundation's campaign, My Life Has Been Changed by Cancer to build a new Cancer Center of Excellence, has raised more than $1,300,000.
Kicking Off Two New Capital Campaigns
The board of South Georgia Medical Center Foundation in Valdosta, Georgia, has embarked upon its fifth capital campaign since 1991. Entitled “Stories of Healing,” the preliminary goal is $4.1 million over three years with the opportunity to raise that goal. Project is the new patient tower and expansion of the Dasher Heart Center including all private beds. Total project cost is $60 million which represents the largest project ever undertaken by the South Georgia Medical Center. Previous campaigns, all of which made or exceeded goal, included the Langdale Assisted Living Center, Pearlman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dasher Heart Center and “A Healthy Future for South Georgia” encompassing Langdale Hospice House, equipment for the cancer center and future funds for expansion of the heart center. Foundation Chairman is James Lee Herndon and Executive Director is Elizabeth Vickers.
The Munroe Foundation in Ocala, Florida, has pledged to raise $2,000,000 in three years for a Pediatric Emergency Department. Staffed by board certified emergency pediatricians, the new PED will have a separate waiting room from the main emergency department waiting room, nine treatment rooms, triage and x-ray room. In 2010, Munroe's emergency department treated 100,000 patients. One in four was pediatric so this project will meet a significant community need. Completion of the Pediatric ED project will be in January 2013. For more information, please visit www.munroefoundation.com.
Statewide Initiative Underway
The Medical Association of Georgia Foundation has begun a statewide campaign on prescription drug abuse awareness and prevention, introduced last week at "Prescribing Our Future: A Summit on Prescription Drug Abuse" in Georgia. The Summit convened national and local experts from health and medicine, public policy, law enforcement, and education. Entitled “Think About It”, the Foundation’s campaign will be in conjunction with collaborative partners across the state and addresses comprehensive drug policies and programs, safe storage and disposal of drugs, and education to the public and health professionals. Summit panelists included the MAG Foundation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), United States Attorney’s Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Continue to follow the news coverage through the campaign process and stay tuned for additional details!
Women's Conference Brings Success
Rutherford Hospital Foundation recently hosted "Women Together", an annual women's event focusing on life-enhancing health information and an array of unique shopping and learning opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions of healthcare experts, pursue ideas for new hobbies and activities, learn about home decorating, find the perfect gift, order a bouquet of memorial or honorary roses, or win door prizes and gift certificates.
Cancer survivor and philanthropist Judy McMahan inspired the group with a luncheon message about the irreplaceable value of women and the wonder of loving and laughing your way through life. Proceeds and sponsorships benefited the Foundation's "Touching Lives" campaign. The Foundation will pay for 120 mammograms in 2011 for women who have no medical insurance. For more information, please visit Rutherford's newsletter or website.
Thank-a-Thon Results Are In!
The Annual Gifts Committee of the Montgomery Hospice Foundation recently conducted an extremely successful “thank-a-thon” with a total of 420 calls to those who made contributions to the Gentle the Journey campaign. Seven committee members and three staff made an impressive 360 calls during the two-hour event, which was followed by 60 additional calls by Foundation staff members on President's Day.
Naming Gifts and Business Awards
The Signature Gifts Committee of the Frederick Memorial Hospital Development Council has received two naming gift opportunities, one of $250,000 from an Anonymous donor, and another pledge of $150,000 from BB&T with an additional $50,000 pledged to Hospice of Frederick County. These two signature gifts bring the total to $9.4 million toward their campaign goal of $10 million for Transforming Healthcare in our Community Campaign. The FMH Business & Industry Committee recently completed repackaging benefits of their Corporate Honor Roll program. The Committee is also working on their spring membership drive and continuing its successful CEO Roundtable series. Last November, in partnership with the with the Chamber of Commerce, the Committee launched the Business Health Awards program to recognize area employers that have successful health promotion and wellness programs in their work places. More than 150 individuals attended the event.
The Gift of Flight
The National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida, has received a $1.7 million grant for 42 flight simulators from the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust. Aaron West, Vice President of Development for the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and the Academy, said the $26.5 million Academy is under construction adjacent to the Museum. Fundraising for the construction has been completed, but an additional $15 million is being raised. "Anything we raise now goes to enhance the student experience," he said. "This gift brings us up to $10 million."
The Flight Academy's mission is to inspire future generations of innovative thinkers through positive exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to retired Vice Admiral Gerald Hoewing, the National Flight Academy President. "We will do that by immersing participants in a creative learning adventure utilizing technology and aviation simulation," he said. "The flight simulator experience will be the highlight of a participant's adventure."
To read the article, please click here . . .
Achieving More Goals
Montgomery Hospice in Rockville, Maryland, has achieved two recent milestones for “Gentle the Journey: the Campaign for Montgomery Hospice.” The first is raising $4.1 million toward their $8 million goal – so in six months, they are more than halfway to goal! The second is raising $1 million in cash gifts for the endowment and qualifying for all of the matching funds ($1 million) from the Eugene B. Casey Foundation toward the Casey House Nursing Services Endowment. This is an incredible achievement which reflects the generosity of many who have been touched in some way by the good work of Montgomery Hospice. Congratulations to the dedicated foundation staff and volunteers.
Employees are HEROES!
Last November every employee at Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, was given the opportunity to be HERO . . . a member of the newly formed employee giving club. The 258 members of the HERO (Helping Evan Reach Out) Club supported the care fund and renovations to the hospital’s dining room with cash and pledges totaling $232,160.
Steph Ulmer, coordinator for the employee giving program, said, “It was motivating to see new donors coming in through our HERO Campaign and loyal donors renewing their commitments. It affirms that the importance of philanthropy is getting across to our employee population”.
Steph Ulmer is Development Systems Specialist/Grant Writer and Joanne Troutman is Director of Development at Evangelical Community Hospital.
Critical Care . . . Close to Home
As the new year begins so do the plans to complete the Foundation’s first campaign, Critical Care . . . Close to Home! With six months to go in the campaign, the Claiborne Healthcare Foundation is currently at 83% of the $1,000,000 goal thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the generosity of donors. To date, the Foundation has received 954 gifts totaling over $837,000.
“The support shown by our donors is overwhelming”, says Lisa Ledbetter, Executive Director of Marketing, Strategic Planning and Foundation. “The dream that started just about three years ago to renovate the Intensive Care Unit, Medical/Surgical Nursing Station and Cafeteria at Homer Hospital is quickly becoming a reality.”
Claiborne Healthcare Foundation supports Homer Memorial Hospital, a 60-bed hospital located in Homer, Louisiana.
$10 Million Gift Received
Congratulations to Florida Hospital in Orlando, Florida, for being honored with a gift of $10,000,000 from Danny Sanford, a philanthropist from California, in support of Florida Hospital for Children. In other exciting news, the 30th Florida Hospital Golden Gala event raised well in excess of $1 million.
Diana Boyce, Vice President, Florida Hospital Foundation, will be speaking on “effectively presenting your message and need for major gifts in the current economy” at the upcoming Pride Development Institute next month in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Estate Planning Success
More than 130 planned giving professionals attended the recent “MARKET SIGNALS: What the Financial Markets are Telling Us Now” luncheon sponsored by the Planned Gifts Committee of the Lourdes Foundation in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Keynote speaker was Tulane University’s Peter Ricchiuti who shared his perspective on financial markets, the importance of proper diversification, and the cyclical nature of both stocks and investment sectors. This event also launched the Lourdes Foundation Franciscan Legacy Society affording attendees and their clients the opportunity to become part of the Lourdes donor family through financial and estate planning.
Rob Eddy, CLU and Planned Giving Committee Event Chairman, secured sponsorships to help underwrite the costs of the event. Jeigh Stipe serves as Foundation Coordinator.
Fantastic First Year
Montgomery Hospice in Rockville, Maryland, has raised $3.4 million in cash and pledges towards its $8 million goal for their Gentle the Journey campaign since beginning in January 2010. Funds are designated towards an endowment for nursing services at Casey House, the inpatient hospice facility, and overall program needs such as Hospice at Home, bereavement programs, counseling and community educational sessions. They have achieved 100% giving from both the Foundation and Montgomery Hospice Boards and have 19 Gentle the Journey Circle (Special Gifts Club – minimum gift of $10,000) members and 467 Hearts for Hospice (Annual Gifts Club – minimum gift of $250) members.
Pushing Beyond Cash Gifts
Almost 50 people attended DeKalb Medical Foundation’s (located in Decatur, Georgia) estate planning seminar entitled: “Wills Workshop”. Local attorney Julie Childs, Planned Gifts Chairman, served as presenter, and the seminar was effectively promoted to the community through the medical center’s publication Pushing Beyond, Channel Care screens in the patient rooms and the Sound Care (on hold message). Topics included: federal transfer tax structure, controlling distribution of property at death, testamentary trusts, living trusts and planning for disability. Ms. Childs also wrote a corresponding estate planning article in the hospital publication entitled: Why a Woman Needs a Will. For a free copy of the article, contact us at results@pridephilanthropy.com.
The Foundation has 20 members in its Heritage Circle recognition program and 10 of those are “hospital family" members.
Physician Giving
Forrest General Healthcare Foundation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, just received two significant gifts from the physician business community. Hattiesburg Clinic pledged $75,000, and the South Mississippi Emergency Room physicians pledged $30,000. The Hattiesburg Clinic is the state’s largest multi-specialty clinic comprised of more than 220 physicians. The foundation’s fundraising efforts are focused on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Inpatient Hospice Home and the Spiritual Grounds at Pine Grove.
Million Dollar Gift
Montgomery Hospice Foundation in Rockville, Maryland, has received notification that the Eugene B. Casey Foundation has agreed to match all gifts dollar for dollar to support an endowment for nurses and nurses’ aides at Montgomery Hospice Casey House up to $1,000,000. Congratulations to Chairman Lora Drezner, President & CEO Ann Mitchell, and Jane DiGirolamo, Vice President of Development for a tremendous start to a successful campaign effort!
Silver Anniversary Celebration
The G.I.F.T. program at Athens Regional Medical Foundation in Athens, Georgia, celebrated its 25th anniversary in style by surpassing $3 million in employee gifts to the hospital. Over 1950 of the 3000 ARMC employees participate in G.I.F.T. (Giving Involved For Tomorrow), and over 1450 join the Pillar Society by donating at least $100 annually. Since 1985, G.I.F.T. has supported numerous hospital projects including the Loran Smith Center of Cancer Support, the Breast Health Center, the Griffin-DuBose Healing Lodge and the Guest House. G.I.F.T solely funded the Mobile Mammography Unit that travels to 17 surrounding counties. Ninety percent of ARMC employees join at each New Employee Orientation when G.I.F.T. committee members present the current project and explain how new employees can pledge their support.
Frederick $1 Million Gift
Frederick Memorial Hospital in Frederick, Maryland, received $1.4 million as the final beneficiary in the estate of Isabel Bailey. With this signature gift, the Development Council has generated $3.4 million in new cash and pledges for the year. FMH has 207 Lasting Legacy members (those who have made provisions for a planned gift to the hospital), and in the last three years have received $6,770,326 in cash through estate gifts.
Same Donor Multiple Gifts
DeKalb Medical Foundation in Decatur, Georgia, received an additional $50,000 gift from a husband and wife who own a local business and made a first-time gift of $100,000 two years ago. These donors have now given DeKalb $250,000 for Physicians’ Care Clinic and Wellness on Wheels.
Million Five and Growing
DeKalb Medical Foundation's 23rd annual Gala last month netted over $110,000 for digital mammography. The total raised from the event since it's inception is over $1.5 million. Leigh Minter, Executive Director, credits the success to committed volunteers, a compelling, visible project and a base of corporate donors with multi-year pledges.
Employees Making a Difference
Employees at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, showed their continued support by donating more than $300,000 during the recent BRICKS (Building Relationships In A Caring Kind Spirit)Club membership drive.
Keys to success were the projects: Meditation Gardens and Prayer Path and Employee Catastrophic Fund, and more than 40 employees who volunteered to work on this campaign.
Foundation Coordinator Jeigh Stipe states, “The wonderful stories we heard about our hospital during this drive are remarkable. Employees who gave the most oftentimes were those who have the least to give. The generosity of more than 435 employees who are now BRICKS Club members is humbling.”
First Membership Drive Doubles Goal
In March, members of Forrest General Healthcare Foundation’s Annual Gifts Committee initiated their first ever 1952 Club membership drive with a goal to secure 100 new members. They have 200 members now and still counting. The drive to date has generated over $59,325 to help support the Foundation’s projects in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Martha Dearman, Executive Director, cites the success of this campaign is due to having the right volunteers involved, a first and second personalized letter to prospects, and making the follow-up calls.
Physician Gift Doubles Goal
A $1,000,000 gift from a local physician to the Susquehanna Health Foundation in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, brings medical staff contributions to 197% of the original Caduceus Society goal. The Business & Industry Committee has also already exceeded their goal by 128%. The total capital project is $250 million with a $12.5 million campaign goal of
which the Foundation has raised $11 million. Projections are the campaign will significantly exceed the initial goal. Congratulations on an outstanding effort!
Hospice House Goal Achieved
The Medcen Community Health Foundation in Macon, Georgia, has successful completed their $5.5 million capital campaign goal to build a freestanding inpatient Hospice House. The new facility will include two family rooms, a chapel, music room/parlor, serenity garden and 15 warm, cheerful private patient rooms, three of which are dedicated for pediatric patients. The fundraising efforts began with a gift of property on which the facility will be constructed and culminated with a number of signature/naming gift opportunities ranging from $500,000 to $50,000.
Hospice of Central Georgia's philosophy is that care is family focused, and the new facility, funded 100% philanthropically, will welcome all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The Hospice House is a component of the Medcen Foundation's $16 million Generation to Generation campaign which also includes enhancements and expansion of The Children's Hospital and the Critical Care Center at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.
Board Members Lead the Way
Over $100,000 was pledged by two board members of the Lourdes Foundation in Lafayette, Louisiana, at their first annual board retreat. Topics of the day included hospital family giving, major gifts and refining the campaign message. Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center is building a replacement facility, and the Foundation has made a $1.5 commitment to support the Telestroke program.
The Telestroke Robotics program is an innovative, state-of-art technology that exists in only a few states. One robot is located at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and similar robots are located in outlying rural hospitals. Patient assessment for stroke will be communicated through the robots at the two facilities, and the neurologist on staff at Lourdes will determine if moving the patient to Lourdes is necessary. This innovative tool will help emergency physicians make accurate and timely diagnosis, thereby facilitating rapid and proper treatment for patients at a rural hospital or if they are transferred to Lourdes. Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center is the only Stroke Center of Excellence in the area.
100 Members and Still Counting
Forrest General Healthcare Foundation's Annual Gifts Committee's first 1952 Club membership drive, initiated February 12, has over 100 charter members contributing $33,450 in less than a month. Committee volunteers are still making follow up calls, and they have sent a second "friendly reminder" we haven't heard from you yet" letter. Keys to their success are having the right people involved, a viable prospect list, and the volunteers' personal involvement and commitment. The committee mailed 889 personalized letters and completed solicitation training with Pride Philanthropy before making their calls. Annual giving is alive and well in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Claiborne Healthcare Foundation Reaches Milestone
The Claiborne Healthcare Foundation in Homer, Louisiana, has reached the $750,000 mark of their $1 million goal for Homer Memorial Hospital. A recent $10,000 pledge by Citizens Bank and Trust enables them to begin renovating the intensive care unit and cafeteria. "Buddy" Pixley, hospital board chairman and foundation board member, was given the honor of calling the architects to initiate the project when this timely gift was received. Buddy was aware of the bank's upcoming gift and made a personal donation to ensure the $750,000 baseline goal was achieved. The foundation's campaign, "Critical Care . . . Close to Home" kicked off July 1, 2008, and has an expected completion date of June 2011.
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