Mercy Health is widely known throughout the Toledo community for its philanthropic efforts. Through collaboration with other local health, education, social service, nonprofit and governmental agencies, Mercy Health has increased awareness of community issues while educating our community about health, wellness and risk factors to improve the quality of life for the residents of Northwest Ohio.
The healthcare organization regularly supports programs that benefit the poor and underserved of the community and projects that help people of all ages develop important life skills to be successful as community citizens.
For its continued commitment to philanthropic giving and leadership, Mercy Health will receive the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Northwest Ohio Chapter's 30th Annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration.
The National Philanthropy Day event, which will be held on November 9, 2017 from 11 am - 1:30 pm at Premier Banquet Hall in Toledo, is a community celebration of the philanthropic spirit and practice that results when we work together to "Change the World with a Giving Heart."
Mercy Health was nominated for this award by the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Mercy Health has supported several initiatives for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, but its $250,000 gift for the new King Road Branch Library is the largest single gift ever given for any of the Library's 19 branches. The King Road Branch Library serves almost 30,000 people in western Lucas County, reaching families with young children and individuals over 65.
Mercy Health's generous gift made a dramatic impact on the branch's capital campaign, stimulating additional support from corporate and individual donors to provide vital learning opportunities through the funding of critical technology and equipment for the community meeting room that opened in September 2016. A wide range of community organizations hold programs and meetings at the Branch, including Lucas County Health Department, League of Women Voters, Maumee Valley Adventurers, Oak Openings Conservancy, Sylvania City Schools, and the YWCA. From September 2016 through April 2017, a total of 334 events with 4,460 attendees were held at King Road.
"Mercy Health has stood on strong shoulders since its beginning and our commitment does not waver in today's complex world where the need for philanthropic intervention is more involved," said Sister Dorothy Thum, Senior Vice President of Mission and Values Integration at Mercy Health. "We put the person first in every decision we make. Whether we are reaching out to seniors with chronic disease, educating students with health challenges, improving the well-being of families with infants, or going out to migrant camps, Mercy Health collaborates with people to make a difference in their lives."
"We thank the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for nominating Mercy Health for the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist award and are deeply honored that the AFP-NWO selected us as this year's recipient," she added.
Space for the National Philanthropy Day event is limited to 500 guests, so those who would like to attend are encouraged to reserve their tickets now. Reservations can be made online at AFPNWO.org or by calling 330-329-2472. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at AFPNWO.org/sponsorships.php.
About Association of Fundraising Professionals – Northwest Ohio Chapter
The Northwest Ohio (NWO) Chapter of AFP is an inclusive and diverse community of more than 125 fundraising professionals from 78 nonprofits and 9 consulting firms in 15 counties throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan whose nonprofits raise more than $277 million dollars annually. Members and their institutions abide by a Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights to ensure that funds are raised and stewarded ethically to benefit people within our community, thus strengthening public trust in philanthropy.
About National Philanthropy Day®
, is an international celebration of the countless contributions individuals and organizations make every day to benefit their communities and enrich our world. NPD was originally conceived of and organized by Douglas Freeman in the 1980s, and President Reagan signed the official NPD proclamation in 1986. Last year, more than 130 AFP chapters held NPD events and activities across North America.thNational Philanthropy Day® (NPD), observed internationally around November 15
About Mercy Health
Mercy Health is based in Toledo, Ohio and serves 20 counties in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Mercy Health’s mission began in 1855 when the Grey nuns came to Toledo, Ohio, which was then a black swap area ridden with disease and poverty. The Grey nuns started a healing ministry and founded the first hospital in Toledo. At the beginning of the flu epidemic in 1917, the Sisters of Mercy founded Mercy Hospital. In 2015, Mercy Health gave $106.8 M in community benefits through partnerships and sponsorships, supporting organizations such as: Way Public Library, American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, African American Legacy Project, Local Chambers of Commerce, area schools (Sylvania, Perrysburg, Oregon, Central Catholic High School, Toledo Public Schools), Toledo Symphony, Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Zoo, Mercy Health Glass City Marathon, Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center, East Toledo Family Center, Diocese of Toledo, The Victory Center, and the Marathon Classic.