Unprecedented $850,000+ raised during outgoing board's six-year tenure

January 2007

Fall River, MA-The Friends of Saint Anne's Hospital held their annual meeting recently with announcements of a new slate of officers and major donations to the hospital.

The new slate of officers for 2006-2008 was announced. The group's leadership includes Carol Verrochi, of Berkley, president; Helinette Sousa, of North Dartmouth, vice president; Sue Steinhof, of Fall River, treasurer; and Linda Mathieu, of Somerset, secretary.

Outgoing Friends President Janis Karam presented Saint Anne's President Michael W. Metzler with $173,699 in donations. This included $45,000 as the final payment for the Friends' a $500,000 pledge, benefiting the Hudner Oncology Center (the second $500,000 pledge since 1999). In addition, they presented $125,338 toward the group's recently announced third new pledge of $500,000 to the Hudner Oncology Center.

The outgoing Friends board's six-year tenure resulted in a record-setting amount of more than $850,000 that has supported several important hospital initiatives, including the diagnostic imaging suite in the Robert F. Stoico/FIRSTFED Center for Breast Care and a linear accelerator with IMRT capabilities in the Hudner Oncology Center.

In addition, the Friends have supported the Compassionate Care Program, which provides financial assistance for patients who cannot afford prescriptions, transportation, food, and other basic medical services, as well as more comprehensive needs in the event of catastrophic or extraordinary circumstances; and Marie's Place, a local distribution center maintained by the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, that provides free clothing, canned goods and household goods to those in need.

Karam pointed to successful events such as the annual Candlelight Ball, May Basket Luncheon, Cinco de Mayo, Ladies Night Out, and dramatic productions such as "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Annie" in garnering widespread community support.

In accepting the Friends' contributions, Metzler acknowledged that the impact of the group's work "literally has impacted thousands of individuals."

"Leading-edge equipment saves lives," he said. "Thanks to the Friends' vigorous efforts, they have helped provide mammography screening to thousands of women. Also with deep thanks to them, our newest linear accelerator, with its advanced IMRT capabilities, now helps patients receive radiation therapy with less damage, something we cannot put a price on."

Upon unveiling a new plaque recognizing the Friends' ongoing and notable contributions, Metzler also noted, "We cannot put price on our gratitude, but hope our public recognition in some small way acknowledges how we feel about the commitment of this remarkable group of supporters. We also hope this public recognition helps others see the great work and perhaps inspires others to become involved."

As a volunteer community service organization, the Friends of Saint Anne's Hospital enhances the image of the hospital within the community and offer financial support through fundraisers such as the Candlelight Ball. The Friends' efforts play a major role in supporting the hospital in assisting patients, increasing levels of service, and addressing the healthcare needs of the community.