Corporator Development Office Update
Annual Appeal, Bethke Campaign Are on Track
Corporators are encouraged to provide support
Emerson’s Annual Appeal is off and running, and aimed at achieving the $1 million goal set for fiscal year 2012. “We’re off to a good start,” says Steve Carr, chair of the Annual Appeal Committee. “Through January, $370,000 had been raised,” he says. “That amount is $50,000 more than last year through January.”
In fact, support for the hospital’s all-important Annual Appeal has grown each of the past three years. This year’s appeal is being fueled by 11 donations of $10,000 or more from very generous individuals.
Corporators are doing their share, says Mr. Carr. “Through January, 23 percent of Emerson corporators had already made a gift to the Annual Appeal. Their giving totaled $119,000, approximately $66,000 more than this time last year. Of course, we hope to have 100 percent participation by our corporators when the fiscal year ends on September 30.” The hospital’s Board of Directors, medical staff, administration and corporators are all encouraged to support the Annual Appeal.
The spring phonathon is scheduled for April 11, when corporators who have not yet given will be contacted, says Mr. Carr. “We ask that people be responsive and generous when phoned by a member of the Annual Appeal Committee,” he says. “The person calling most likely will be a fellow corporator.”
In addition to the phonathon, direct mail appeals and other forms of outreach are used to raise unrestricted funds, which support a range of hospital programs. “We appreciate everyone’s generosity and hope you will make Emerson Hospital a charitable priority,” adds Mr. Carr. Contributions can be made at any time by visiting the hospital’s website, or by contacting Diane Chellis at 978-287-3001 or dchellis@emersonhosp.org.
Campaign to support cancer care continues
The hospital’s development office also is focused on the campaign to raise funds for the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital-Bethke. The new name reflects a closer clinical collaboration with the Mass General, and the medical oncology program now operates as part of the Mass General Cancer Center. The change ensures that cancer center patients are able to receive more coordinated care in one convenient location. Also, patients will soon have access to clinical trials at Mass General.
The center is an important presence for countless area residents and remains a community cancer center. “Money raised here stays here,” notes Gloria Clough, chair of the Emerson Health Care Foundation. “Philanthropy is essential for Emerson to continue to maintain a first-rate cancer program.”
That is what the $4 million campaign is about. Funds raised so far—$2.5 million—are being applied to the costs associated with the extensive renovation and construction work required for installation of the hospital’s new linear accelerator, as well as the creation of the Naka Infusion Center. The cancer center’s pharmacy and other areas are now being renovated.
On April 5, George Berry, corporator and major donor to the cancer center campaign, will host a house party at his home in Lincoln where Jon DuBois, MD, medical oncologist, and Jack McGrath, MD, radiation oncologist, are scheduled to speak.
The campaign received some significant gifts at year’s end, as well as a second annuity from a couple who are grateful for the care provided by Bethke staff. “Planned gifts are a wonderful way to support this effort,” says Ms. Clough. “We are optimistic about reaching our fundraising goal for the campaign.”