FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 7, 2020
Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Donates $180,000 for Key Hospital Projects
Organization also is recognized as “Outstanding Fundraising Group”
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Dec. 7, 2020—Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild recently donated $180,000 as part of its continued support for three hospital projects: “smart” IV pumps, expansion of the cardiac and interventional suite, and renovations to Saratoga Community Health Center.
“This would be a wonderful gift in the best of times. To sustain this level of generosity during a pandemic is extraordinary and awe-inspiring,” said Mary Solomons, executive director, Saratoga Hospital Foundation.
The gift was presented to Solomons by Terry White, Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild president, who emphasized that Guild members are determined to continue their steadfast support for the hospital despite COVID-19.
“Certainly, our lives have changed because of the pandemic, and we’ve had to make adjustments to keep our volunteers safe,” he said. “But COVID-19 is no match for our unwavering commitment to this hospital and our community. ”
“Outstanding” recognition
That determination—and a track record of raising more than $5 million for Saratoga Hospital over the years—earned the Guild the 2020 Outstanding Fundraising Group Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Hudson-Mohawk Chapter. Presented Nov. 15 in celebration of National Philanthropy Day, the award recognizes a group of individuals who demonstrate “the true spirit of philanthropy through time, treasure and talent.”
“This award acknowledges something those of us at Saratoga Hospital have always known—that our Guild volunteers truly are outstanding,” said Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital president and CEO. “Through their service and generosity, Guild members make a difference for countless individuals and families within and beyond Saratoga Hospital.”
The Guild’s recent $180,000 donation is the latest installment on three five-year pledges made in 2018 and totaling $900,000. This year’s gift includes:
- $100,000 toward a $500,000 pledge for smart IV pumps that enhance patient safety and outcomes. This gift is the largest in the Guild’s history. To date, $300,000 has been paid.
- $40,000 toward a $200,000 pledge to support the expansion of the hospital’s Whitney-Hendrickson Cardiovascular & Interventional Suite. To date, $120,000 has been paid.
- $40,000 toward a $200,000 pledge to help renovate and expand the hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center. To date, $120,000 has been paid.
Earlier this year, the Guild donated $20,000 to Saratoga Hospital’s Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center for its Cancer Patient Fund.
In addition to their fundraising efforts, during a typical year Guild volunteers donate more than 50,000 hours of service to Saratoga Hospital. Although most Guild activities have been curtailed during the pandemic, volunteers have found safe, socially distant ways to continue to support the hospital and community.
Caption: Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild recently donated $180,000 to support three key hospital projects: “smart” IV pumps, expansion of the Whitney-Hendrickson Cardiovascular & Interventional Suite and renovations to Saratoga Community Health Center. From left: Betsy St.Pierre, director, Volunteer Services; Terry White, Guild president; and Mary Solomons, executive director, Saratoga Hospital Foundation.
***
About Saratoga Hospital: Saratoga Hospital is the Saratoga region’s leading healthcare provider and the only acute-care facility in Saratoga County. The hospital’s multispecialty practice, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, provides care at more than 20 locations, ensuring easy access to programs and services that can have the greatest impact on individual and community health. Saratoga Hospital has maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence since 2004. The hospital is an affiliate of the Albany Med Health System, which also includes Albany Med, Columbia Memorial Health and Glens Falls Hospital. The region’s largest locally governed health system, it has 1,520 beds, more than 800 physicians and 125 outpatient locations. For more information: www.saratogahospital.org or www.facebook.com/SaratogaHospital.
# # #
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peter Hopper
Director, Marketing and Communications
518.583.8679
phopper@saratogahospital.org