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As far back as Greek and Roman times, the concept of philanthropy has existed as a way to promote or improve human welfare. The role of charitable giving has evolved over time, and now plays a crucial role in many modern organizations.
Since its very inception over 55 years ago, philanthropy has been an important endeavor at Community Medical Center. In 1952, the Community Memorial Hospital Association – a group of local residents who formed to build a hospital in Toms River – began the first fundraising campaign to pay for costs of land surveys. In 1952, $1100 was raised through donations, fundraising dances and dinners for the future development of a local hospital. By 1953, a formal fundraising campaign had begun within the community in support of the hospital’s building fund.
Fast forward to 2009. Community Medical Center has grown into the state’s largest non-teaching hospital with the largest and busiest Emergency Department on the East Coast. More than 100,000 patients are treated at the hospital each year. But true to its roots, Community Medical Center is, and always has been, a non-profit organization, similar to organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the United Way.
Richard J. Pallamary, vice president of Development at Community Medical Center, said, “Philanthropic support for the hospital is generated through the efforts of the Community Medical Center Foundation. The Foundation receives gifts from individuals, businesses, other foundations, employees and physicians.” Gifts are made to the hospital through bequests and other planned gifts, through the Community Medical Center Auxiliary Association and special events.
“In the current financial health care environment in which we – and all hospitals – operate,” Pallamary said, “this support has never been more important to our mission.”
The Community Medical Center Foundation is led by an active and committed board of trustees, chaired by Donald E. Jump. “The work of the Foundation is not only rewarding, but important to the overall mission of Community Medical Center,” Jump said. “Over the last few years, the Foundation has dispersed over $5 million to the hospital to support expansion projects in the Emergency Department and the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center, the First Moments Maternity Services Unit, and the purchase of equipment like the da Vinci S surgical robot and the Dexa bone density scanner.”
Pallamary said gifts to the Foundation can be given for general use of the hospital, or directed to a specific program like the Van Dyke Hospice Program, community benefit programs like the Lighthouse or Center for Kids & Family, or to a specific area or service of the hospital. In addition, educational opportunities are made available through nursing and allied health professional scholarships. “Most recently, proceeds from the Foundation’s Wine Tasting event held in June to benefit the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer were used to purchase a new vehicle to transport patients to the hospital for cancer treatment,” Pallamary said.
Community Medical Center’s Foundation accepts cash gifts, gifts of stock as well as other types of gifts. Pallamary said representatives are available to discuss all types of gifts with interested individuals and their advisors. Gifts can also be made online through the Foundation’s web site at www.cmc-foundation.org. All questions can be directed to the Community Medical Center Foundation, by mail at 99 Route 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755; by phone
(732) 557-8131 or via email to cmcfoundation@sbhcs.com.
Date: May 19, 2009
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