Champions for RMH

RMH employees have donated more than $95,000 in the 2011 Employee Gifts Campaign, smashing the campaign goal of $80,000.

This year's Employee Gifts Campaign, centered on the theme "Be a Champion," began May 17 and concluded June 24. Employees exceeded the campaign goal by 20 percent, raising more than $7,000 than last year.

A total of 675 employees participated in the campaign, including 110 who had never made a gift before. Over 150 more employees than last year gave to this year's campaign, an increase of 30 percent.

"I am really proud of our employees for being champions' by donating to this year's campaign, - said RMH President Jim Krauss. "To have this many employees give back to RMH clearly shows how committed they are to the hospital's mission. What's gratifying for all of us is knowing the benefit these gifts will ultimately bring our patients."

To encourage participation, the hospital's Senior Leadership Team agreed to participate in the third consecutive RMH gurney tourney if employees met the $80,000 goal. Now that the goal has been met, a victory celebration and gurney tourney will take place today at 3 p.m. outside the Mountain View Cafe (pictures to come soon).

During the gurney tourney, teams of two senior leaders each will square off against each other in head-to-head races as one member of the team rides a wheelchair while the other pushes. The rain date is July 21.

Employees have been supporting the hospital through an annual gifts campaign since 1975. During this year's campaign, employees had the option to support various needs throughout the hospital. According to Merv Webb, vice president, Foundation, the need receiving the greatest support was the Employee Relief Fund, a fund set up by the hospital to assist employees who are facing a personal financial crisis due to serious illness or another catastrophic situation.

The need receiving the second highest level of support was the hospital's equipment and program fund, Webb said. These funds will help provide critical equipment and technology to improve patient care.

Webb thanked the campaign co-chairs and the department representatives for their help in encouraging employees to donate. "Once again our employees are taking a lead in helping to create a healthier community for all our families, friends and neighbors," he said.