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

Posted 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

Posted 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

Posted 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

Posted 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

Posted 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

Posted 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

Borgess Volunteer Sponsored Jewelry Sale

Posted on July 6, 2010 – 5:02 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Volunteers, Events

Want to give your wardrobe a little more sparkle and shine? At this volunteer-sponsored sale, you’ll find gold, silver and gemstone jewelry — 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.

When: Friday, July 16th, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Borgess Medical Center Campus, Lawrence Education Center, 123/124

Cash, credit cards, checks and payroll deduction accepted.

Golfers Still Needed for Lee Memorial Foundation’s Sixth-Annual Golf Outing

Posted on June 29, 2010 – 3:16 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess Health, Borgess-Lee

The Lee Memorial Foundation continues to seek golfers to participate in its sixth-annual golf outing on Friday, July 9.

This year’s scramble event will once again be held at Spruce Ridge Golf Club in Dowagiac. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry fee is $50 per person or $200 per team, and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, bottled water, and the opportunity to win cash in the Buy a Square Contest, as well as win $10,000 in the Hole-In-One Contest (sponsored by Preferred Printing, Inc.).

Proceeds from the golf outing will benefit Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital by funding the purchase of an intravenous (IV) ultrasound unit. To sign up today, call (269) 783.3083 or (269) 783.3026.

19th Annual Borgess Golf for Health Monday – July 19, 2010

Posted on June 29, 2010 – 12:36 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Events

Your participation along with other community leaders, Borgess administrators, volunteers and Gull Lake Country Club, are the key reasons why the Borgess Golf for Health is a premier golf tournament.

This year your support will benefit the renovation and expansion of Borgess Medical Center Level I Emergency & Trauma Center. Read about Jonathan Pettigrew, a real patient success story.

As a golfer, you will have the opportunity to meet our extraordinary Borgess physicians and staff and learn about life saving activities at Borgess. Most of all, your participation will benefit your family and our community for many years to come.

Register for this enjoyable event today by calling (269) 226-8100.

Schedule of Events

Gull Lake Country Club, Richland, Michigan

10 a.m. Registration Opens

10 a.m. Free Golf Clinics with Area Pros

Noon Shot-Gun Start

5 p.m. Dinner

 The Borgess Volunteers will be selling 50/50 Ball Drop Raffle tickets, 11 am-1 pm, Wednesday, June 30, Thursday, July 8, Friday, July 9, Thursday, July 15 and Friday, July 16. Tickets are also available by calling (269) 269.8100 or (269) 226.4882.

Currently, we are seeking sponsors for this event, which are an important part of our success. Contact Pam Mckenzie at (269) 226.8100 or pammckenzie@borgess.com, to become a sponsor today.

Match Day Event Location Change

Posted on June 23, 2010 – 12:55 pm
Filed under Borgess Foundation, Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice, Events

Due to the possibility of severe weather, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Match Day event, originally planned for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in Bronson Park, has been relocated to the Kalamazoo Room of the Radisson Plaza Hotel at 100 West Michigan Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo. We hope you will join us to make a donation to Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice, helping provide comfort and quality home care to our community.

Remember, the Community Foundation will match each dollar donated with 50 cents that will be available for the organization to which you donate to use immediately.

For questions, please contact Mike Ankley at (269) 343.1396 or visit homehealth.borgess.com.