KIRKLAND, Wash., April 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The EvergreenHealth Foundation raised $1.2 million at this year's 12th annual gala to support families served by EvergreenHealth's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with expanded space and innovative technology to care for critically ill and extremely premature infants during their vital first hour of life.
More than 700 community leaders, leading physicians, and local executives joined together at the "Essence of the Sea" gala held at King County's Marymoor Park on Saturday, April 27, with the goal of raising charitable donations to fund Family Maternity Services and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit renovations that will ensure a higher level of patient-centered care.
The gala revealed EvergreenHealth's "The Golden Hour Project" - a campaign to support the care given to premature newborns in their vital first hour of life within the hospital's nationally recognized neonatal intensive care unit. The event proceeds will support the remodel and renovation of additional space needed to coordinate care at delivery for critically ill newborns and their families. This new area known as the Infant Stabilization Room will be adjacent to the delivery room so that families can remain closer to their infant in a setting that promotes absolute safety, coupled with compassionate care.
"The generosity and compassion of this community shines and inspires this evening," said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte at this year's event. "We are deeply humbled by the incredible support we receive from our community, and with it we will continue to deliver on our promise to provide breakthrough clinical care and distinguished service across all of our care practices. We give our endless thanks to the donors, friends, physicians, and volunteers of EvergreenHealth that have shown their support not only tonight, but each and every day."
This year the EvergreenHealth Foundation was also honored to present The Lee Johnson Family with the annual Spirit of Giving award, as part of EvergreenHealth's ongoing commitment to recognize those whose selfless contributions are crucial to the health and well-being within the community. Lee Johnson's legacy and the charitable philosophy embraced by the family business, Lee Johnson Chevrolet, is responsible for generations of philanthropic giving.
The annual black-tie gala is EvergreenHealth's most significant fundraiser for programs and departments across the organization. Last year's gala raised $1.1 million to benefit EvergreenHealth's Breast Health Center, helping it to secure advanced 3D screening and diagnostic technology onboard its mobile mammography coach. Next year's event will take place on April 26, 2014.
To learn more about the EvergreenHealth Foundation and see how its work touches the community, visit www.evergreenhealth.com/foundation.
About EvergreenHealth
EvergreenHealth, a public hospital district and community-based health care organization established in 1972, offers a breadth of services and programs that is among the most comprehensive in the region. More than 950 physicians provide clinical excellence within more than 80 specialties, including cardiac, oncology, surgical care, orthopedics, a Neuroscience Institute, Women's and Children's services, hospice care, pulmonary care, a Sleep Disorders Center and Home Health services care. EvergreenHealth serves more than 400,000 residents in its primary service area of northern King and southern Snohomish counties with EvergreenHealth Medical Group, a network of primary and urgent care practices, and EvergreenHealth Hospital Medical Center, its main hospital campus in Kirkland, Wash. EvergreenHealth also provides emergency care at two sites; its main hospital campus and the EvergreenHealth Redmond Medical Center. In addition to clinical care, EvergreenHealth offers extensive community health outreach and education programs, anchored by Evergreen Healthline, a 24/7 nurse consultation service. For more information, visit www.evergreenhealth.com.
CONTACTS:
Kay Taylor
Vice President, Marketing, Communications & PR
EvergreenHealth
425.899.2604
Ktaylor@evergreenhealth.com
Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
Kristi@firmani.com
SOURCE EvergreenHealth
