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Planting of Norwegian Spruce Gives Borgess Tree of Love Roots

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Posted by admin on August 26, 2011 – 3:46 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

On Tuesday, August 16, the Borgess Foundation planted an 18-foot Norwegian Spruce outside Borgess Medical Center to kick off its annual Tree of Love campaign. The tree will become the permanent site for the Kalamazoo lighting ceremony that takes place in December.

“After 25 years of success, we are thrilled to give our campaign some lasting roots by planting this beautiful tree,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Through the generosity of our community, we hope to see our new tree truly shine with thousands of pink lights this holiday season.”

Funding Better Breast Health
In 1985, the Borgess Service League launched the first Borgess Tree of Love to raise money for early detection and treatment of breast cancer, a disease that claims the life of one American woman every 69 seconds. It is estimated that one out of every five women does not have insurance to cover breast cancer detection services, such as mammography.

Community donations to the Tree of Love campaign fund mammograms at Borgess for low-income women without health insurance. By contributing to the campaign, donors also have an opportunity to recognize someone important in their lives. Each honoree is represented by a light on a tree and mailed a special acknowledgement card.

The 18-foot Norwegian Spruce was locally grown and purchased from E-Z Tree in Plainwell. In addition to the permanent tree and ceremony at Borgess Medical Center, separate lighting events will again take place in December at Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell and Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac.

This year, the Borgess Foundation plans to raise $45,000 to help area women receive vital mammography services. For more information, including how to contribute to the 2011 Borgess Tree of Love campaign, call (269) 226.8100 or visit treeoflove.borgess.com.

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Kim Loftus Awarded The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Designation

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Posted by admin on May 24, 2011 – 9:53 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

Kim Loftus

 

CFRE International has named Kim Loftus as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Loftus, development director, Borgess Foundation, joins more than 5,200 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.

Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International, including tenure in the profession, education, demonstrated fundraising achievement and a commitment to serving not-for-profit organizations. Those receiving the designation have also passed a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills and abilities of a fundraising executive, and have agreed to uphold Accountability Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

Loftus began working for the Borgess Foundation in 2009. She has nearly 25 years of experience in the field of philanthropy, including four years leading fundraising, marketing and communications at Constance Brown Hearing Centers. She also previously held the position of vice president of development at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, where, among other accomplishments, she directed a $3.9 million capital campaign. Loftus is on the board of directors for Leadership Kalamazoo and is a member of the Kalamazoo Rotary, where she serves on the program committee. She received her bachelor’s degree in history from Western Michigan University.

“We congratulate Kim on this accomplishment,” said Tony McDonnell, CFRE, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Achievement of this designation demonstrates Kim’s high level of dedication to Borgess, as well as to performing fundraising duties in a successful and ethical manner.”

CFRE recipients are awarded certification for a three-year period. To maintain certification status, designees must demonstrate ongoing fundraising employment and fundraising results, as well as continue with their professional education. Employers and donors who work with CFREs know they are getting a professional who not only has the requisite knowledge and skills, but is also dedicated to the best outcomes for their organization.

CFRE International is an independent organization devoted to the certification of fundraising executives by setting standards in philanthropic practice. For more information, visit cfre.org.

Since 1972, the Borgess Foundation has helped to continue the rich tradition of philanthropy in support of health care and related services at Borgess. To learn more, call (269) 226.8100 or visit foundation.borgess.com.

Friends of Borgess Nursing Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence

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Posted by admin on May 23, 2011 – 7:29 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

The Fifth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner paid tribute to the nursing excellence of today and tomorrow, including recognizing Dennis Bertch, MSN, RN, with the prestigious Lamplighter Award, as well as honoring nine nurses with specialty certification grants.

The Borgess Lamplighter Award recognizes an individual (or organization) who has exhibited stellar support of the Borgess Health mission and Borgess nurses, as well as contributed to quality of life within southwest Michigan. Dennis A. Bertch of Kalamazoo received the award for his steadfast commitment to nursing excellence and education. He began his career at Borgess Medical Center in the late 70s as a staff nurse in the neurological care unit. Bertch then went on to serve as director, Inpatient Neurological Services and Professional Nursing Resources, and chief nursing officer, and was instrumental in the formation of shared governance at Borgess Medical Center in the late 80s and early 90s. Continually striving to improve care and enhance the practice of nursing, he encouraged his colleagues to pursue ongoing education and advanced degrees.

In 1993, Bertch completed his Master of Science in Nursing and is currently in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at the Kirhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University. He has held several higher education roles, and now serves as associate vice president of academic services at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

“We congratulate Dennis for this outstanding achievement. Prior to his educational role at KVCC, he had a long history of leadership, both within Borgess Health and in the greater health care community,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “We are blessed to have had his support and exceptional contributions, and wish him much success in his professional and personal endeavors.” 

Complementing the Lamplighter Award, the dinner also celebrated the distribution of grants to several nurses for the pursuit of specialized education and training. This year, the following RNs received grants: 

Certification Grant

Carol D’Cruz, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Portage)

Christine M. Donelson, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Vicksburg)

Judith Foote-Jury, RN, BSN, CNOR, CRNFA, Borgess Medical Center (Kalamazoo)

Dee Hoffman, MBA, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Mattawan)

Nancy L. Merriman, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Kalamazoo)

Diane Roosenberg, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Augusta)

Debbie Schlieter, BSN, RN, CWOCN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Lawrence)

Sikhanyiso Maphosa, BSN, RN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Kalamazoo)

Scholarly Grant

Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Borgess Medical Center (Portage)

In addition to grant distribution, the dinner acknowledged eight nurses with the following awards:

Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award

Randy Willis, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Augusta)

Caroline M. Kusa, RN, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital (Dowagiac)

Pat Hetzler, RN, Borgess-Pipp Hospital (Plainwell)

Lisa Witte, RN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Kalamazoo)

Excellence in Clinical Practice II Award

Gail H. Venner, MSN, ANP, Borgess Medical Center (Richland)  

Nursing Leadership Award

Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Borgess Medical Center (Mattawan)

Rising Star Award

Anna Matulewicz, BSN, RN, Borgess Medical Center (Portage)

Sisters of St. Joseph Legacy Award

Diane White, MSN, RN, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice (Kalamazoo) 

Held on May 10 at Kalamazoo’s Cityscape Events Center, the Friends of Borgess Nursing Awards Dinner raised important funding to sustain nursing education, research and certification. To date, $150,000 has been raised toward the overall fund goal of $250,000. To learn more about the awards dinner or make a donation to the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, call (269) 226.8100, or visit foundation.borgess.com.

Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund to Honor 17 Nurses at Annual Awards Dinner

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Posted by admin on March 30, 2011 – 2:04 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

The following registered nurses (RNs) have been selected as recipients of 2011 Friends of Borgess Nursing awards:

Borgess Lamplighter Award
Dennis A. Bertch, MSN, RN

Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award
Randy Willis, BSN, RN-Borgess Medical Center
Caroline M. Kusa, RN-Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Pat Hetzler, RN-Borgess-Pipp Hospital
Lisa Witte, RN-Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice

Excellence in Clinical Practice II Award
Gail H. Venner, MSN, ANP

Nursing Leadership Award
Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Rising Star Award
 Anna Matuliewicz, BSN, RN

Sisters of St. Joseph Legacy Award
Diane White, MSN, RN

“The Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s winners, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

Along with awards, the fund also distributes grants to assist with specialty nursing certification or certification renewal. This year, the following RNs will receive grants:

Certification Grant
 Carol D’Cruz, BSN, RN
Christine M. Donelson, RN
Judith Foote-Jury, BSN, RNFA, CNOR
Dee Hoffman, MBA, BSN, RN
Nancy L. Merriman, RN
Diane Roosenberg, BSN, RN
Debbie Schlieter, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Sikhanyiso Maphosa, BSN, RN

Scholarly Grant
 Anita Heyman, MSN, RN, NEA-BC

Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence
The 5th Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at Cityscape Events Center in downtown Kalamazoo (125 S. Kalamazoo Mall). The event will begin with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards program at 7 p.m. Proceeds from last year’s sponsorships, silent auction and dinner reservations exceeded $48,000. So far, $118,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000.

“Regardless of how donors decide to support the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, they can be rest assured their contribution will not only advance professional nursing practice, but also make a difference in the lives of patients and families across our community,” McDonnell added.

For reservations or more information about the awards dinner, call (269) 226.8100, or go to foundation.borgess.com.

J. Patrick Lennon, Joe Brogger, Jr., and Kurt Shea join Borgess Foundation Board

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Posted by admin on February 23, 2011 – 10:13 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation


J. Patrick Lennon Joe Brogger, Jr. Kurt Shea


J. Patrick Lennon, Joe Brogger, Jr., and Kurt Shea join Borgess Foundation Board

Three outstanding community members have joined the Borgess Foundation Board of Trustees–J. Patrick Lennon, Joe Brogger, Jr., and Kurt Shea. The Borgess Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Borgess Health services and programs including enhancing access to healthcare for our community’s most vulnerable citizens.

J. Patrick Lennon, a Partner of Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (Honigman), is an attorney who focuses on real estate.  He represents the interests of large corporations, real estate developers, builders and investors throughout Michigan and Florida. Lennon earned his law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Lennon and his wife live in Portage.

Joe Brogger, Jr., is Director of Private Sector Employee Benefits with Burnham & Flower Group, Kalamazoo.  Brogger assists many community benefit organizations including Lakeside Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, USTA Jr. Nationals and other groups.  His father, Joe Brogger, Sr., was an original board member of the Borgess Foundation.  Brogger is a graduate of Albion College.  Brogger and his wife live in Hickory Corners.

Kurt Shea is vice president of P.K. Contracting, Inc., of Kalamazoo, a leader in pavement marking and safety.  Shea is experienced in computer software programs and is actively involved in road construction projects throughout Michigan. He serves the community in a number of ways including coaching Little League baseball.  Shea is a graduate of Oakland University.  He and his wife live in Plainwell.

Since 1972, the Borgess Foundation has helped continue the tradition of philanthropy in support of health care and related services at Borgess Health.  For more information, please visit: foundation.borgess.com.

500 women will be helped by donations to Borgess Tree of Love

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Posted by admin on January 18, 2011 – 9:28 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation

Kalamazoo, MI – More than 500 low-income women without health insurance will receive free mammograms as a result of donations to the 25th Annual Borgess Tree of Love.

“Because of the generosity of area residents, we’ve exceeded our $40,000 goal ($41,200) and gifts continue to come in,” said Edie Alt, co-chairperson, Borgess Tree of Love.  “More women will be helped by this extra kindness and additional contributions are warmly welcomed.”

Major sponsors of the campaign include The Surgical Group of Southwest Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Kalamazoo Amusement, James R. Ryan Family Foundation, The Tyler Little Family Foundation and Water Street Coffee Joint.

Since its start in 1985, the Borgess Tree of Love campaign has helped countless women at Borgess receive mammograms and biopsies to identify breast cancer.

This campaign also provides an opportunity for donors to make tributes for employees, colleagues, family and friends. The names of donors and those receiving this special tribute will be listed on the website, and honorees receive an acknowledgement card in the mail.

People can still make tax-deductible donations on-line at treeoflove.borgess.com. Donor forms are also available for those who wish to contribute by mail by contacting the Borgess Foundation at (269) 226.8100.

Every $5 donation helps a woman receive a mammogram while allowing the donor to honor or remember someone special. Every $50 donation sponsors a mammogram for a woman and allows the donor to honor or remember up to 10 people.

Breast cancer affects many members of our community. In the United States, one in eight women, during their lifetime, will develop breast cancer. Every 69 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer and every hour 23 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and affects approximately one million women worldwide.

It is estimated that one in every five women does not have insurance that covers breast cancer detection services such as mammography. A number of studies have shown that mammograms can reduce a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer.

For additional information on the Borgess Tree of Love campaign, please call (269) 226.8100.

500 women will be helped by donations to Borgess Tree of Love

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Posted by admin on November 19, 2010 – 7:15 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Health, Events, Women's Health

More than 500 low-income women without health insurance will receive free mammograms at Borgess as a result of a special campaign at Borgess Health. The 25th Borgess Tree of Love campaign has set an ambitious goal to raise more than $40,000 to provide the needed mammograms.

The annual campaign is sponsored by Borgess Volunteers and the Borgess Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created to accept gifts on behalf of Borgess Health programs.

Since it was started in 1985, the Borgess Tree of Love campaign has helped countless women at Borgess receive mammograms and biopsies to identify breast cancer.

This campaign also provides an opportunity for donors to sponsor lights on the holiday trees which make wonderful tributes for employees, colleagues, family and friends. The names of donors and those receiving this special tribute will be listed in honor rolls near the trees, and honorees receive an acknowledgement card in the mail.

People can make tax-deductible donations on-line at treeoflove.borgess.com. Donor forms are also available for those who wish to contribute by mail by contacting the Borgess Foundation at (269) 226.8100.

Every $5 donation helps a woman receive a mammogram at Borgess Medical Center while allowing the donor to honor or remember someone special. Every $50 donation sponsors a mammogram for a woman and allows the donor to honor or remember up to 10 people.

Borgess Health’s annual Borgess Tree of Love campaign is marking its 25th year by expanding to three locations for Tree Lighting ceremonies.

* 6 p.m. December 3 at Borgess-Pipp Hospital, 411 Naomi St., Plainwell
* 6:30 p.m. December 7 in the Atrium, Borgess Medical Center, 1521 Gull Road, Kalamazoo
* 1 p.m. December 8 in the Rotunda, Borgess at Woodbridge Hills, 7901 Angling Road, Portage

Breast cancer affects many members of our community. In the United States, one in eight women, during their lifetime, will develop breast cancer. Every 69 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer and every hour 23 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and affects approximately one million women worldwide.

It is estimated that one in every five women does not have insurance that covers breast cancer detection services such as mammography. A number of studies have shown that mammograms can reduce a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer.
 
For additional information on the Borgess Tree of Love campaign, call (269) 226.8100.

Borgess Gardens receives continued registration as Eden Alternative® Home

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Posted by admin on September 1, 2010 – 2:20 am
Filed under Achievements, Borgess Foundation, Borgess Gardens, Borgess Health

Borgess Gardens has received continued registration as an Eden Alternative® Home. 

“The Eden Alternative philosophy is that aging should be a continued stage of development and growth, rather than a period of decline,” said Bart Carrel, Borgess Gardens Administrator.  “It is a powerful tool for improving quality of life for our Elders and for capturing a meaningful work life for our associates. 

“The Eden Alternative supports others in the creation of communities which eliminate the plagues of Loneliness, Helplessness, and Boredom,” he continued.  “These are plagues of the human spirit, not the human body, but they can be just as debilitating and just as deadly as any disease of the body.”

Borgess Gardens is a habitat for human beings rather than facilities for the frail and elderly.  It is a garden where people continue to grow and thrive.

Borgess Gardens offers specialized rehabilitation services.  Intensive therapy is used to build strength, improve coordination and agility, and restore confidence and independence in individuals requiring rehabilitation after illness, injury or a surgical procedure.  Call (269) 226.8100 to learn more about these advanced services.

For more information about Borgess Gardens, please visit Borgess.com.

Buy Your Designer-Inspired Handbag

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Posted by admin on August 12, 2010 – 12:55 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Volunteers, Events

Want to accessorize your wardrobe with a little more sparkle and shine?

At this Borgess volunteer-sponsored sale, you’ll find handbags and accessories — all at prices that will dazzle you. Best of all, you’ll lend your valuable support to Borgess Health programs and the purchase of important medical equipment.

Friday, August 27th, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Lawrence Education Center on the Borgess Medical Center Campus.

Cash, credit cards, checks and payroll deduction accepted.

Still in the “Green” After 19 Years – Borgess Golf for Health Tournament a Fundraising Success

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Posted by admin on July 29, 2010 – 7:09 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Health, Borgess Volunteers, Events

With 108 golfers, the 19th Annual Borgess Golf for Health on July 19 raised money to help fund ongoing renovations to Borgess Medical Center’s Level I Emergency & Trauma Center. The Borgess Volunteers and Borgess Foundation presented the outing proceeds in a check for $27,000 to Dr. Steve Kujacznski, medical director, Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center.

“During my 20-year tenure at Borgess, the number of ER patients has grown to more than 50,000 a year,” said Steve Kujacznski, DO, medical director, Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center. “An important part of caring for ER patients is providing them with a quiet environment that affords confidentiality. Our renovated department will feature rooms that are more spacious, comfortable and private.”

The 2010 Borgess Golf for Health outing was successful due to support from businesses and individuals as sponsors and players.

“We sincerely appreciate the expertise provided by Gull Lake Country Club, and the generosity of our major sponsors, Premier Radiology, AVB Construction, Crothall Healthcare, Kalamazoo Emergency Associates and Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo, PC,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Everyone enjoyed a beautiful day of golfing and supported a very worthy cause–the enhancement of the Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center.”

“There are many reasons why more than 100 golfers like me participate in the Borgess Golf for Health outing every year,” said Joe Brogger, director, private sector employee benefits, Burnham & Flower Insurance Group, who has played in the event for more than 15 years. “The event runs like clockwork. The pro-clinic, onsite physical therapist and emergency personnel give the event a professional feel. Every detail is handled perfectly, and everyone is so friendly and genuinely pleased to have the support of all participants.”

Built to serve 42,000 patients annually, the Borgess Emergency & Trauma Center (ETC) was last renovated in 1975. Since the guarantee was implemented for patients to see a physician within 30 minutes of arrival, ETC annual volume has reached 57,000. The current ETC renovation will provide a more secure, comfortable healing environment for 1.2 million patients and their families who will utilize the ETC over the next decade.

In addition to knowing they will be seen by a physician within 30 minutes, patients have the assurance they are receiving care in a verified Level I Trauma Center, recognized for providing urgent, advanced, comprehensive care for the most severe illnesses and injuries.

2010 Borgess Golf for Health Key Results

  • First Place Team: Joe Brogger, Jr, Robert Benjamin, Robert Britigan and Gregory St. Arnold
  • Second Place Team: John Bakos, Jack Gesmundo, Joe Gesmundo and Daryl Rand, American Village Builders
  • Random Team Winners: Frederick Brown, Robert Brown, Sr., Craig DeNooyer and Terry Patterson, Treystar 
  • Longest Drive, Men: Thomas Merritt; Women: Susan McDonald
  • Closest to Line, Men: Robert Britigan; Women: Dina Ciaffone
  • Closest to Pin, Men: John Kittredge; Women: Linda Lawton
  • Longest Putt, Men: Craig DeNooyer; Women: Connie Learman