Foundation Flash
September 2020
COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND HELPS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY RESPONSE

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted hospitals around the globe and our local Providence hospitals are no exception. We've seen how quickly the situation can change and are preparing for a challenging fall and winter. Our frontline caregivers battling this disease face incredible strains as they try to support patients who are already struggling with poverty, homelessness and mental illness.  

By making a gift to Providence Health Care Foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund you are joining our caregivers on the frontlines, safeguarding our community. This fund will be used for a wide variety of local needs such as PPE for caregivers, essential equipment, behavioral health support, disease research and even funding to deploy vaccines when available.

Thanks to a generous donation from the O'Brien/Kennedy families, donations up to $25,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.

To join the fight against COVID-19 and double the impact of your gift, click here.
PUMPKIN BALL PIVOTS TO MEET CHANGING TIMES

Over the past 17 years The Pumpkin Ball has raised more than $2.6 million, after expenses, to support Sacred Heart Children's Hospital and Vanessa Behan. While guests won't be gathering in person this year due to COVID-19, we have re-imagined this event as a fundraising campaign that will make up a shortfall of $250,000 that we were expecting to raise at this year's event.     

Both organizations are ramping up their efforts to fit the needs of this extraordinary time. Vanessa Behan quickly and safely pivoted to increase its ability to care for more children than ever before and they have expanded their services to care for children up to age 12. 

And every day, pediatric specialists at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital continue to care for children battling life-threatening illnesses like cancer and heart disease, which don't stop for a pandemic. They are also on the front lines of the mental health crisis that is impacting our kids. 

Even if you've never attended The Pumpkin Ball, you can make a difference! Learn more and donate here. 

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Banner Bank and all the generous businesses that have redirected their support to our new campaign. For a complete list of sponsors, click here.
CRIBETTES HELP STRUGGLING FAMILIES ENSURE BABY'S SAFETY

Sleep-related deaths are the number one cause of infant death after the first-month of age. This is especially a problem for low-income families who often cannot afford a traditional crib and must put their babies to sleep on couches, chairs or in adult beds. 

The foundation recently purchased 50 "cribettes" for our low-income patients with new babies. These compact, portable cribs will provide little ones with a safe place to sleep, and will allow Providence to attain "Gold Level" certification for safe sleep. 
DONOR SPOTLIGHT - Stuart Prey, McFarland Prey Real Estate

Stuart's connection to Providence began when he was in college and working in Patient Transport at Sacred Heart Medical Center. After learning about the foundation he began donating $2 from each paycheck as part of the Employee Campaign and has been a supporter ever since!

"As a patient transporter I heard first-hand how some of our patients were struggling with basic necessities. Even though I couldn't afford to give much, I wanted to try and make a difference." Stuart then became even more committed to giving while working at Sacred Heart as Director of Perioperative Business Services. "I understand the importance of the philanthropy because I was often tasked with explaining to the foundation board why a new piece of equipment was critical, and asking the foundation to help fund it."

Now Stuart owns his own real estate company and continues to give both personally and through his business. "I know how essential quality medical care is to a community," he explained. "And as a father of two young children, I am grateful that Spokane is home to a world-class children's hospital. I'm proud to do what I can to help continue the exceptional level of care our community has come to expect from Providence."
COSTCO IS MAKING MIRACLES!
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals campaign continues through September

Did you know that when you're asked to make a donation at one of our area Costco warehouses this month, your gift stays local to support Sacred Heart Children's Hospital? 
This year's Costco campaign looks a little different due to COVID-19, but the goal is the same: to help fund vital equipment, programs and services to meet the unique medical, emotional and social needs of ill and injured children. Because when it comes to health care, kids can't wait for the pandemic to pass. They continue to need life-saving care, now. 

The campaign runs through the end of September and as of Sept. 21 had raised more than $158,000. Thank you Costco shoppers!
NEW TAX LAWS, NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This is a challenging time for many. But did you know that there have been some changes to the tax law that may help you save money and preserve your assets, while making a difference to the causes you care about? Your charitable donations may be tax deductible, even if you don't typically itemize.

Please join us for a complimentary online seminar to learn how the CARES Act can impact you and your family. 

Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Philanthropy and the CARES ACT
Wednesday, October 7 at 11 am OR
Wednesday, October 14 at 4 pm

To register or for more information contact [email protected] or 509-474-7322. And to learn about how planned giving can help you leave a legacy or decrease your tax burden, click here.
HEART BEAT MAGAZINE HAS GONE DIGITAL

Being a good steward of our resources, Providence is piloting an online version of Heart Beat. You can still read the powerful patient stories, get tips and education, and discover healthy recipes. We continue to share the inspirational care happening inside and outside our Providence walls. 

Please let us know what you think so we can get a pulse on how to deliver Heart Beat magazine in the future. Visit providence.org/heartbeat to download the digital issue and get the link to a short survey.  

Colleen Fox
Chief Philanthropy Officer
 509-474-4653 or 509-710-9930

Your gift can help make an exceptional health care system extraordinary.
Make a Difference.