Summa Health announced on November 14 that it has surpassed its fundraising goal of $125 million for the campaign, “Caring for You … Then, Now, Always,” the most ambitious philanthropic endeavor in the history of the healthcare system.
“The extraordinary success of the Caring for You campaign is a tribute to the tradition of community support that has benefited Summa Health for more than 130 years,” said Cliff Deveny, M.D., Summa Health president and CEO. “Every gift has supported our mission to provide the highest quality, compassionate care to our patients and members and to contribute to a healthier community.”
Surpassing the goal of $125 million was the culmination of a comprehensive campaign designed to enhance the patient experience and empower clinical excellence. 2013 marked the beginning of the campaign with the leadership of the Summa Foundation Board of Directors and the Campaign Executive Committee. Initially led by Honorary Chair the late Ann Brennan, then Honorary Chair Rennick Andreoli, and more recently Campaign Chairs Tom and Ginny Knoll, the campaign supported essential investments for the community including the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower and the Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion.
The campaign also provided support for significant renovations and improvements on the Barberton Campus; increased outpatient capacity across the system including new ambulatory centers; the establishment of endowed clinical chairs, directorships and fellowships; and support for medical education and programs.
“We are grateful to all donors who have helped Summa Health make a profound impact on patient care and our communities,” said the Knolls. “At this remarkable moment of growth in the history of Summa Health, we thank you all. Together, we are truly making a difference in the lives of so many, now … and always.”
Leading campaign benefactors are Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams; Sharon and Richard Juve; the late Ann and David Brennan; Yvonne Hamlin and her late husband, Richard; Vanita and James Oelschlager; Vincent DiGirolamo and his late wife, Nancy; the late Dr. Basil E. Smith; Rennick Andreoli and his late wife, Dee; Stephen Comunale; the late Robert S. and Verna J. Hancock; the late Marjorie B. and John J. Hartz; the late Dr. Eugene S. and Evelyn J. Jursek; Patty and Phil Kaufmann; Mike Lewis and his late wife, Sheila; the late Dr. Juan M. and Angelina P. Perdomo; George and Alice Strickler; Denise G. and Norm E. Wells Jr.; FirstEnergy Foundation; The Lehner Family Foundation; the Walter W. Born Foundation; The Wildflower Foundation; and several anonymous supporters.
“The collective generosity of our friends and benefactors is essential for enhancing Summa Health’s high standard of patient care through new state-of-the-art facilities, advanced programs, and recruitment and retention of top talent,” said Jessica Hudson, president of Summa Foundation and chief development officer at Summa Health. “We are humbled by all those who have honored the legacy of generosity that has sustained Summa Health from the very beginning and look forward to continuing these partnerships for years to come.”
For additional information regarding the campaign, visit the website at summahealth.org/foundation, or call 330.375.3159.
