In this issue:

• Community volunteer makes a difference at Banner Desert
• New events generate funds and excitement for Banner Health Foundation
• School-based clinics keeps students healthy with help from CVS Pharmacy
• Southwest Ambulance supports Banner Health programs valley wide

From the CEO – Andy Kramer
With support and guidance from our board of directors, we recently completed a reorganization of Banner Health Foundation. We are very excited about the promise of this organizational model, as we work to more effectively align the Foundation with Banner Health’s Arizona Region objectives. This new structure will emphasize major gift fundraising for several service areas – Oncology, Cardiovascular Services, Pediatrics, Neurosciences and the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute – to support Banner Health’s capital-intensive growth plans, and will enhance facility-focused donor relations activities to better serve the dedicated contributors to Banner Health Foundation. 

We have been evolving to this new model over the past few months, and as a result have undergone some change with regard to positions and responsibilities. We have established several new roles that will complement our goals of building strong major and capital gift activity for service lines, and supporting facility-based fundraising through annual giving programs. To further reinforce our fundraising expertise, we are currently identifying and interviewing candidates for Service Line Development positions focused on Oncology, Cardiovascular Services and Pediatrics, as well as Planned Giving.

We have also been actively working to strengthen the Banner Health Foundation board of directors, in preparation for upcoming capital projects and other major gift initiatives. With particular support and leadership from board members like Ken Van Winkle, Jeff Stone, John Zidich, Dr. Harry Cavanagh, John Graham and many others, we are engaging a group of fresh, energized and committed representatives from business and philanthropic circles to advance Banner Health’s fundraising efforts.

Our entire team is now primed to fulfill our organization’s purpose:  To foster a spirit of giving by making health care solutions a reality.  As we join together to reinforce a culture of philanthropy at Banner Health, we look forward to partnering with each of you to make a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care.  Should you have any questions about our new organizational model, or other efforts at Banner Health Foundation, please call us at 602.747.GIVE (4483). 
 
PEOPLE
Event chair grows opportunities for cancer care
Cheryl Pollack demonstrated her commitment to enhancing programs at Banner Desert when she agreed to return as chair of Desert Nights, the hospital’s annual black-tie gala.  No stranger to philanthropy, Ms. Pollack is active in the community donating much of her time and energy to Banner Health as a longtime Banner Desert volunteer and member of the hospital’s Community Advisory Council.  Scheduled for Saturday, Nov.1, at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort, Desert Nights – Garden of Hope will feature an elegant dinner, exciting auctions followed by dancing and entertainment provided by Cheryl’s husband Michael and his band, “Corporate Affair.”  Proceeds raised at the event will support cancer care programs at Banner Desert.

Additionally, the couple recently committed $100,000 to the Banner Children’s Through the Eyes of a Child Capital Campaign.  The Chandler residents have three children and understand the significant need for more pediatric hospital beds in the East Valley.  “If my children are sick, I need to have confidence that they will get the care they need without excessive delay,” said Mrs. Pollack. “We are proud to be affiliated with an organization like Banner that is working actively to address this issue.”  To honor their gift, the Information Tree, a focal point of the hospital’s main lobby which will house the facility’s information desk, will bear the Pollacks’ names.

EVENTS
Inaugural events debut
On Friday, Nov. 16, Banner Health Foundation is introducing two exciting events to benefit programs and services at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Gateway Medical Center.

Guest attending “A Night to Remember” presented by Wachovia Securities will enjoy a menu, complete with wine pairings, developed and prepared by local chefs.  The evening’s recipes, created to please the palette while meeting the scientific criteria for brain health, will be assembled in a unique, limited-edition cookbook.  Silver Leaf Country Club will provide a spectacular setting for this special evening hosted by the Women’s Council of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, with leadership from event co-chairs Suzanne Hilton and Lori Reiman.

In the Southeast Valley, Banner Gateway Medical Center will be kicking off the holiday season with its new signature event Festival of Trees.  Local businesses, groups and other talented individuals will decorate trees to reflect this year’s theme, “An Arizona Christmas.”  The trees, generously donated by Paddock Pools, Patios and Spas, will be auctioned at a special dinner before they are put on display for the community to enjoy.   The trees will be displayed in a large tent, located on the Banner Gateway campus, generously underwritten by Southwest Ambulance.  The festival itself will be included as a featured event in the annual “Gilbert Days” celebration.

To learn more about upcoming events to benefit Banner Health Foundation, visit our Calendar of Events or contact the Foundation at 602.747.GIVE (4483).

PROGRAMS
CVS Pharmacy focuses on health and education
For the second year, CVS Pharmacy has awarded a CVS Community Grant to Banner Health Foundation in support of Banner Health School-Based Clinics.   The CVS/Pharmacy Community Grant to Banner Health Foundation is part of CVS/Pharmacy’s commitment to its communities throughout the country.  Grants were awarded to organizations that share a common vision with CVS/Pharmacy to provide healthcare to the uninsured.

CVS/Pharmacy Community Grants are an effective way for us to give back to the communities where we do business, “ said Eileen Howard Dunn, Vice President of the CVS/Pharmacy Charitable Trust.  “We are proud to support the work that Banner Health does in the community.”

Facilitated by Banner Occupational Health Services, in partnership with Banner Health Foundation, Banner Health School-Based Clinics provide onsite primary health care to elementary school children who lack insurance and access to regular care.  Without this program, uninsured students would be forced to seek health care through hospital emergency rooms which is far more costly to health care providers, the children, their families, and ultimately, the community.

GIVING BACK
Southwest Ambulance continues a tradition of caring
With more than 1200 employees and nearly 300 ambulances, Southwest Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance providers in the Western United States serving more than 25 communities, including 13 in Maricopa County.  Southwest believes that being a community partner is more than providing the highest levels of medical care. It means being an active participant in local organizations, attending and often leading community events and aggressively pursuing a localized public safety educational campaign.

Recently Southwest Ambulance reaffirmed its commitment to the community by making a $90,000 pledge to Banner Health Foundation.  These funds will be directed to support the following nonprofit programs and services at Banner Health:  the Desert Sammy Injury Prevention Program, the Banner Good Samaritan SimET Center, the Banner Estrella Emergency Department Caring Cart and Banner Gateway Medical Center’s signature event Festival of Trees.

About Banner Health Foundation
Banner Health Foundation fosters a spirit of giving by making health care solutions a reality for our community.  Contributions made to the Foundation are invested locally in Banner Health’s nonprofit facilities and programs to advance health and wellness. Caring for the future of Arizona since 1978, Banner Health Foundation is supported by the generosity of individual donors, the public and private sectors, and thousands of active volunteers.

If you would like to learn more, please visit www.bannerhealth.com or call 602.747.GIVE (4483).