Corporator Development Office Update
Take Advantage of a Generous Match for Annual Appeal Gifts
This year’s Annual Appeal brings a new challenge in the form of a higher goal: $1.1 million. Two generous board members have offered a different kind of challenge; to encourage increased contributions, they will match every new donation or increase over last year’s gift up to $150,000. This effectively doubles last year’s challenge, which was a $75,000 matching gift.
“Our 2013 Annual Appeal is well underway, and we’ve raised $400,000 toward our new goal of $1.1 million,” says Diane Chellis, assistant director, Emerson Health Care Foundation. “We are encouraging all Emerson corporators, and especially new corporators, to consider making their donation as soon as possible. Keep in mind that all new donations will be matched thanks to our matching challenge.”
An Annual Appeal mailing has been sent to all corporators. The program supports specialized services at Emerson, including the Polo Emergency Center, Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson-Bethke, Clough Birthing Center and the new Integrative Health & Wellness Center. Also, on April 10, Steve Carr, chair, and members of the Annual Appeal Committee will hold the spring phonathon, which will help with corporator outreach.
“This new match by our board members is an exciting opportunity for us to raise more money than ever before,” says Ms. Chellis. “We are hoping all corporators will help us meet the challenge.”
Cancer center campaign needs a final push
There is another challenge in 2013: to complete the cancer center campaign. “We have $135,000 left to raise,” notes Melissa Saalfield, major gifts officer. “We are so grateful to the donors who have already given. For those who have not, we ask that they think about the value of the cancer center to our community. Cancer affects virtually every family; it is a blessing to have outstanding cancer care nearby.”
The Bethke Cancer Center was established in 1997, thanks to a gift from Concord residents Arthur and Virginia Bethke. Since then, the center has earned strong community support for the style of personalized care that is provided there. “People also are impressed with the commitment to making the latest technology available,” says Ms. Saalfield. “Emerson has the latest generation linear accelerator for radiation treatments.”
Last year, the center was renamed the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson-Bethke to reflect the closer connection with Massachusetts General Hospital. It is a connection that benefits area residents, Ms. Saalfield notes. “All of our oncology physicians are now on the Mass General medical staff. Patients have access to clinical trials, as well as an increased level of genetic testing.”
Money raised for the center remains in the center, she adds. “The Bethke gift not only established the center. It established a style of care that community residents appreciate,” says Ms. Saalfield.
A recent gift to the cancer center from Rod Sparrow, a corporator from Bolton and member of the Emerson Health Care Foundation board, helped move the campaign closer to its goal. Mr. Sparrow and his two daughters named the “night sky” mural in the radiation treatment area for Deborah Curtis Sparrow. Mr. Sparrow’s late wife was treated at the center (see featured corporator).
Members of the Cancer Center Committee are focused on raising the remaining funds this year. They include Ron Johnson, chairman of the Emerson Health System Board, William Boger, MD, Jeff Campbell, Cynthia Deysher, Heidi Harring and Byron Woodman.