This has been a challenging year for many healthcare organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Munson Healthcare is no exception. When COVID-19 cases first reached northern Michigan in March, Munson Healthcare saw a tremendous response from community members – from donations to words of encouragement.
Now, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in northern Michigan and across the nation, one thing is more important than ever: keeping healthcare strong in the region.
“The challenges we have faced this year have tested us beyond our imagination, but we have been incredibly moved by the unwavering support of our community,” said Debra Henderson, interim president of Munson Healthcare Foundations.
“However, the current circumstances continue to place additional burdens on our healthcare system.”
Munson Healthcare Foundations is once again hosting an online Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign on Tuesday, Dec. 1, to help meet the ongoing need for community support. This worldwide day of giving is celebrated annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, and encourages people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
This holiday season, Munson Healthcare Foundations encourages individuals to reflect on the importance of their community hospital and the impact their gift can have in the lives of others. All donations made on Dec. 1 will be matched, dollar for dollar up to $80,000, thanks to a matching gift agreement.
“Please know your continued support will help ensure Munson Healthcare’s ability to continue to serve all of our patients and families,” Henderson said. “Consider making a donation on Giving Tuesday, when your gift will be doubled by a generous matching donation.”
As a nonprofit healthcare system, philanthropic support makes it possible for Munson Healthcare to invest in facility upgrades, new technology, and innovative equipment. Perhaps, most importantly, this allows the healthcare system to offer high-quality healthcare close to home for thousands of patients.
Participating Munson Healthcare hospitals include Cadillac Hospital, Charlevoix Hospital, Grayling Hospital, Manistee Hospital, Munson Medical Center, Otsego Memorial Hospital, and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital. Munson Healthcare Foundations hopes to raise $80,000 system-wide.
Individuals interested in participating in Munson Healthcare’s Giving Tuesday initiative can take part by: 1) making a gift to their local hospital at munsonhealthcare.org/givingtuesday; 2) spreading the word on social media by using the hashtag #GivingTuesday; 3) encouraging their friends and family to participate.
Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has engaged hundreds of communities across the globe. The worldwide giving initiative has raised more than $503 million in online donations alone.
For more information on the global Giving Tuesday movement, visit givingtuesday.org.