About $12,000 raised for same-day surgery room
Fundraiser targets those who send holiday cards
Looking for a quick and easy way to raise money? The auxiliary for Covenant Hospital Plainview (TX) raised about $12,000 for the purchase of equipment and conversion of hospital space into a same-day surgery room. The fundraiser was simply asking local residents to donate money during the holidays to the auxiliary.
The fundraiser is a 43-year tradition and has raised more than $250,000 total.
"When it was initially started, local people, instead of spending money on postage and cards, they give that money to the auxiliary," said Auxiliary President Janice Posey. "And that’s how it still is," added Rose Ann Bailey, president-elect of the auxiliary. "At 45 cents a crack on postage, that adds up."
Every year since its inception, the auxiliary has raised more funds than the year before, Posey said. Close to $12,000 from the 2011 event was used for the purchase of equipment and conversion of hospital space into a holding area for preoperative work for same-day surgery patients. Previously, individual hospital rooms were serving outpatient surgery needs. The room being renovated for outpatient use was once designated as an ICU area and most recently has been used for storage. Funds raised have been used by the hospital to purchase gurneys, chairs, curtains, flooring, and other renovation costs.
The hospital, on average, performs 60 outpatient surgeries per week. Carol Terrell, director of Covenant Hospital Plainview Foundation, said, "Our hospital is outgrowing the facility. There are days we are at capacity and need extra room."
People are eager to participate
While there is no set amount to donate, the average donation is $25.
Posey said, "Because of the increase in the price of postage over the past few years, people seem to be eager to send the money they would spend on postage and Christmas cards to the auxiliary for this fundraiser."
Working with the local media to publicize the fundraiser helps it to be successful, Posey said. A newspaper articles written from a press release included information on how to participate.
To participate in the annual fundraiser, a cut-off date for donations to be received is set for early December. Four 2/5 page ads run once a week for four weeks leading up to the deadline.
When the event is completed, a two-page color ad of a holiday card lists the names of all those who contributed. There are two levels of donors: Contributors are those that make donations up to $50, and angels are those who contribute $50 or more. The cost was about $2,500 for all of the advertising. The only other expense is for stationary and postage for a mailout letter that explains the fundraiser and solicits donations of any amount. About 500 letters go to previous donors and new residents to the city of Plainview. (See the letter with the online issue of Same-Day Surgery at www.reliasmedia.com. For assistance, contact customer service at [email protected] or (800) 688-2421.)
