We thank our generous donors
At right, Peter V. Disch, Chairman of the Development Committee,
addresses attendees at Backus Foundation's June reception to recognize lifetime giving to Backus.
Dedication, compassion and pride — these attributes certainly apply to our hospital's generous donors. Dedication to the cause of top-quality healthcare. Compassion for those in need. Pride in an institution that can be counted on to be a faithful steward of philanthropy. All gifts make a difference, and we are honored to recognize our donors in many ways:
Cumulative giving: Dedication to the cause of regional healthcare is perhaps best demonstrated by those who have answered the call to "build a better Backus" time and again. An impressive plaque recognizing cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more was installed outside the hospital's main conference rooms, and dedicated at a reception in June. These devoted donors have sustained Backus through countless changes, many annual campaigns, several capital projects — all providing continual advancement of health programs and services.
Gifts of legacy: Donna Palumbo was honored in September with third annual Heritage Award, celebrating those who champion gifts of legacy. The Backus Legacy Society continues to welcome new members and recognize those who have informed us of their intentions to leave a gift to Backus in their will.
Capital giving: Thanks to broad-based commitment from the community, the BackusCare capital campaign neared its goal of $5 million. This campaign, in support of our extensive $50-million expansion project, is already improving the delivery of healthcare in our region by doubling the size of our Emergency Department and meeting the needs of patients. We are grateful to the many individuals and businesses who supported this important effort, and continue to fulfill their generous pledges.
Annual giving: When it comes to hospitals, almost nothing is more basic than a bed. Yet, replacing all inpatient beds at Backus cost $1 million. Donors supporting our Annual Fund helped make this investment in patient safety and comfort possible — and their generosity is recognized with bedside labels noting their gift. This year, in response to our community's generosity, a new level of recognition was established. Fittingly, the level is named after Dr. Patrick Cassidy, one of Backus Hospital's first physicians.
Employee and volunteer giving: They say "charity begins at home," and Backus Hospital's dedicated employees and volunteers exemplified that point through their generous pledges of $517,000 to the BackusCare campaign, and continued support of the Annual Fund. This heartfelt generosity from the Backus family demonstrates true pride in our institution.
Physicians Tribute: The first gift from physicians recognizing one of their peers was appropriately given to Dr. Bernard J. Podurgiel. Community memorials and gifts directed by the family in lieu of memorial flowers created a lasting tribute to this most beloved physician.
Events: Supporters of Backus began the hospital's fiscal year in celebratory fashion with a fundraising Founders' Ball to pay homage to our hospital's past and celebrate our bright future. The always-popular Backus golf tournament marked its 26th year in June, and was a stellar opportunity to combine support and fellowship. In October, more than 700 people gathered to support Backus Foundation's Breast Cancer Survivors Fund, at the Survivors in Fashion Show.
Backus Foundation is fortunate to have individuals who unselfishly donated their time and talents to these endeavors, and we are grateful to the tireless volunteers who made these events so memorable and successful.
The hundreds of individuals and groups recognized on the following pages allow Backus Hospital to fulfill its mission, and we acknowledge them with deep gratitude.
Because Backus Hospital plays a vital role in our region's quality of life, these gifts to Backus are really gifts to the entire community. Backus Foundation is humbled to be recipients of your generosity — a true reflection of our community's dedication, commitment and pride.