In challenging economic times, one might assume charitable giving suffers. But that is not the case this year at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC). FMC employees stepped forward in the hospital’s recent annual Making a Difference campaign to help the hospital raise funds aimed at providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical care to patients.

“This campaign raised $118,014, which is a 25-percent increase over giving levels last year in pledges and donations,” said Richard Smith, FMC Vice President of Development. “It’s extremely gratifying to see how much our employees believe in their work here at FMC and how much they personally want to support the services and programs that benefit our patients.”

The annual campaign is coordinated by the FMC Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the hospital. It is an integral part of a coordinated strategy to ensure that FMC remains an industry leader in the acquisition of the latest medical technology, in the recruitment of nationally-renowned physicians, and in the delivery of premier patient care services. As a hospital with non-profit status and with rising healthcare costs, charitable giving plays a strategic role in contributing to FMC’s fiscal health and the number of services it offers to its patients.

“The annual Making a Difference campaign plays a critical role in demonstrating to community members, patients and those considering making a donation to a non-profit agency that FMC is a trustworthy recipient of their gift,” Smith said. “When they hear about the level our own staff supports the hospital, they are impressed.”

In addition to the annual employee campaign and other efforts, the Foundation hosts annual fund-raisers to help build hospital resources. Upcoming special events include the Holes for Healthcare Golf Tournament on Sept. 26 and the Turquoise Ball Holiday Gala on Dec. 6.

For more information on these events or donating to the FMC Foundation, call 928 773-2093.