Reflecting on a Year of Impact: Prisma Health – Upstate Foundation’s 2023 Journey
As we reflect on the transformative year of 2023, we’re thrilled to share the impactful milestones achieved through our collective efforts in philanthropy and community engagement.
1. Brenda J. Thames, EdD Endowment
Thanks to incredible community support, we completed a $1 million endowment for the MedEx Academy, ensuring sustained support for high school and college students exploring healthcare careers.
2. Black Doula Pilot Program
Launched with a grant from TD Charitable Foundation, providing 50 awards for patients utilizing community doulas during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-delivery. The program will thrive into 2024. Learn more.
3. Established the W. Larry Gluck, MD Endowed Chair of Translational and Molecular Oncology Research
Established a $3 million endowment honoring Dr. Gluck’s 38-year legacy, supporting breakthroughs and advances in cancer treatments for better patient outcomes. Learn more.
4. Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals Partnerships
Teamed up with corporate partners like Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Ace Hardware, and Clemson University’s Dance Marathon, raising an incredible $1,149,226 for Children’s Hospital in the Upstate.
5. We Care Campaign
Held on May 25, 2023, this on-air event raised nearly $80,000, showcasing stories of gratitude from 10 ambassador families and garnering support from corporate partners iHeart, Ingles Markets, SEW Eurodrive, ReWa, and South Carolina Federal Credit Union.
6. Dragon Boat Upstate Festival
With full hearts and dragon boats, our participants raised an impressive $308,289 through the 17th annual team-based fundraising initiative, engaging over 1,000 community members in support of cancer research, programs, and patient services.
7. Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital Community Health & Wellness Space
Collaborated with multiple community partners and individuals for the construction of the innovative space at Unity Park to expand access to adaptive sports and wellness while celebrating the hospital’s 50th anniversary and marking the start of construction with an adaptive bicycle signing in August 2023. Learn more.
8. Legacy Society Growth
Celebrated the Legacy Society with a Luncheon on October 12, 2023, and presented the 2023 B.K. Bryan Spirit of Philanthropy Awards to the Glenn Foundation and the John R. and M. Margarite Davis Foundation.
9. Bradshaw Institute’s Diaper Bank
In its third year, distributed over 180,000 diapers to 3,000 children through six events across Upstate hospital campuses, engaging corporate donors like RE/MAX, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, Spinx, and securing a $40,000 sponsorship from Healthy Blue of SC.
10. Launched Inspire Courage Capital Campaign & Hogs for the Cause Naming Commitment
On September 14, the Children’s Hospital-Upstate launched a campaign to raise $6 million for a new pediatric cancer and blood disorders unit that will combine “whole family care” with exceptional clinical expertise and provide more treatment space in the Upstate. Hogs for the Cause, a non-profit barbecue competition and festival based in New Orleans with significant ties to South Carolina, kicked off the capital campaign by donating $1 million. Learn more.
Mobilizing Our Community: A New Philanthropic Foundation
In addition to these achievements, 2023 marked a pivotal year for Prisma Health philanthropy in the Upstate. Most notably, the Prisma Health – Upstate Board of Directors created a new philanthropic foundation – the Prisma Health Upstate – Foundation. The new foundation, a separate, affiliated 501(c)(3), will help mobilize our community to change the health trajectory of South Carolina.
The Foundation has applied for recognition by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, with operations expected to launch in early 2024. Until this complete transition, gifts made will go to the Prisma Health Office of Philanthropy (tax ID: 81-1723202).
We are pleased to continue working with donors interested in supporting the work of Prisma Health physicians, nurses, researchers, and other talented healthcare providers. Never has there been a more important endeavor. To learn more, click here.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of our community, partners, and champions of health. Together, we’ve achieved milestones, created lasting impacts, and set the stage for a future brimming with possibilities.
As we step into the coming year, the Prisma Health Upstate Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to inspire health, serve with compassion, and be the difference. Your continued support fuels our passion, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024.
Here’s to a year of growth, compassion, and positive change. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a vibrant start to the New Year.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Prisma Health Upstate Foundation