Foundation Thanks Donors for Over $5 Million in Support of Regional Health Care Needs

The program was led by Charles T. Capute, Foundation board chair. Capute introduced fellow board members in attendance: JoAnne Hahey, Jacque Smith Hook, Ken Kozel, Keith McMahan, David Nagel, Steve Ochse, Joe Shultz and Moorhead Vermilye. Bill Munn and Jack Stoltz were unable to attend.

Thanking donors for their past and present support, Capute noted that as of October 31, 2019, the Foundation had provided $5,313,304 in support for UM SMC at Easton and its ancillary healthcare programs, services and nursing scholarships.

Following Capute, UM SRH CEO and President Ken Kozel took the podium to offer his profound gratitude, on behalf of the UM SRH Board of Directors and senior leadership, for the “time, talents and financial support” of the Foundation, its donors and volunteers. He also thanked the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital at Easton for its recent pledge of $100,000 to support the Foundation’s year-end appeal that will benefit the Heart and Vascular Center at UM SRH.

Jeanie Scott, manager of Oncology Services, thanked members of the Sporting Clays Classic committee, along with Mike Schaefer and Nancy Morton of The Point at Pintail, for helping raise $84,749 for the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center. These funds were dedicated to the purchase an MRI Breast Coil, an imaging device that is used to perform MRI guided breast biopsy.

Also acknowledged for their support of the Clark Comprehensive Breast Center were Ken and Emma Jean Morgan of Robin’s Nest Floral & Garden Center, and Victor and Teresa Micheal. The Morgans have hosted a Winter Design Showcase fundraiser for four consecutive years. The Micheals organize and host the annual Lowe’s Wharf Rockfish Tournament, Crab Feast and Pig Roast Fundraiser to benefit the Peggy Rosato Cancer Fund.

The success of the Foundation’s 2019 golf tournament was discussed by Penny Pink, director, Surgical and Ambulatory Services, UM SMC at Easton and Dorchester. Held in September at Talbot Country Club, the tournament attracted 92 golfers and netted $91,118. The proceeds will purchase a new surgical table, glidescope and anesthesia carts.

Dr. Jeffrey Etherton, interventional cardiologist, expressed his gratitude for donors’ past support of cardiology initiatives. Etherton noted that the Cardiac Cath Lab’s PCI (percutaneous intervention) technology helped save the lives of 238 patients experiencing STEMI heart attacks, far beyond initial expectations.

Speaking about the Foundation’s support for nursing scholarships and Magnet Recognition® was Jennie Bowie, vice president and chief nursing officer. Bowie noted that eight percent of U.S. hospitals have earned Magnet designation and three of the eight Magnet hospitals in Maryland are part of UM SRH.

UM Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown manager Mary Alice Vanhoy reported on the Claws for a Cause Crab Feast, held in July, which raised $42,808 to enhance security and safety technology in the Center. Vanhoy thanked the committee members and event co-chairs, Holly Rhodes and Heather Comegys, for helping raise $42,808 to enhance security and safety technology in the Center.

Before closing the program, Graham Lee, vice president, Philanthropy provided updates on the current year-end appeal, which will support the purchase of new cardiovascular ultrasound equipment for the Heart and Vascular Center. Lee thanked donors again and asked for their continued support to reach the Foundation’s year-end goal of $200,000.

To make a gift to UM Memorial Hospital Foundation, contact Graham Lee, 410-822-1000, ext.5509, grahamlee@umm.edu. To donate online, visit ummhfoundation.org.