By Aimee Robertson
WHAT DOES THE FOUNDATION DO? WHAT IS ITS MISSION?
Memorial Hospital Foundation develops relationships and financial resources to support the needs of Memorial Hospital, its patients and employees. The Foundation manages 20 funds that provide financial support for these needs. What sets the Foundation apart from other nonprofit organizations is that 100 percent of donations stay in our community and directly benefit the fund of the donor’s choosing. From medications for cancer patients to cooling blankets for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, a gift to the foundation brings comfort and healing to our community.
WHEN AND WHY WAS IT FOUNDED?
Memorial Hospital Foundation was established in 1986 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a vision to develop relationships and financial resources to support the needs of Memorial Hospital, its patients and employees.
WHAT IMPACT HAS THE FOUNDATION MADE ON THE COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE IT SERVES?
In 2020 alone, we assisted 3,453 patients and 92 employees and purchased five pieces of equipment for our hospital for a total value of $236,488 invested in our community.
As of November 2021, we’d covered medications for cancer patients 830 times, covered medications for 147 cardiology patients, provided 21 blood pressure monitors to cardiology patients, provided 50 breast-imaging services to women in our community, purchased a Bilirubinometer for labor and delivery to obtain bilirubin readings with minimal disturbance to the baby and much more.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST THING YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED BY BEING INVOLVED IN THIS FOUNDATION?
I am so grateful to be able to serve in such a fulfilling role, and I am equally thankful for our amazing Gulf Coast community. I’ve learned that no matter the hardship we face, we do it as a community, always looking out for our neighbors. Whether its recovery from a natural disaster or from a disease or injury, the residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast help each other. The Memorial Hospital Foundation can assist so many in their darkest hours only through the generosity of others who believe in our cause. Through my role with the Foundation, I’ve gained even more love and admiration for this region that I call home.
WHAT’S NEW WITH THE FOUNDATION? ANYTHING RECENT OR UPCOMING THAT YOU’RE EXCITED TO SHARE?
We are absolutely thrilled to be working on a new and unique fundraiser for 2022. Events are one of my favorite things to plan, and I am really excited for the return of in-person parties. We’ve also have a few fun third-party fundraisers in the works for 2022 that will make a great impact on Memorial’s patients, as well as add to the social scene of the Gulf Coast. We are always so grateful for our community partners that use their events to benefit us!
Aimee Robertson, president of the Memorial Foundation, shares how the nonprofit got started, its purpose and how it is serving the community.