Share the Hope Event Propels Hearst Cancer Resource Center
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – May 21, 2018 – The French Hospital Medical Center (FHMC) Foundation is proud to announce that the 11th annual “Share the Hope” event, held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Hearst Ranch, resulted in more than $1 million to benefit the Hearst Cancer Resource Center (HCRC) Endowment.
The endowment provides vital long term support for French Hospital’s HCRC, allowing its programs and services to continue providing comfort, support, and information to cancer patients and their families, all at no charge, for many years to come. The event was instrumental in helping reach the endowment fundraising goal of $5 million.
“The incredible generosity of the many donors who contributed to this event is overwhelming,” says French Hospital Medical Center President & CEO Alan Iftiniuk. “We are deeply honored for the opportunity to offer such essential resources to educate and assist cancer patients and their families.”
The Hearst Family was instrumental in providing the initial funding to construct and open the HCRC in 2008 and the Hearst Foundation helped establish the HCRC Endowment through a significant grant.
“Growing the HCRC endowment is a crucial step in making a lasting impact to those in our community whose lives have been touched by cancer,” says Steve Hearst. “My family is proud to support and be a part of this incredible resource center.”
The HCRC collaborates with community and physician partners to provide supportive and educational services necessary for cancer patients to understand their disease, manage treatment, and maintain dignity and quality of life throughout all aspects of their cancer experience.
“The importance of the funds raised at this special event are critical to keeping the vital programs and services of the Hearst Cancer Resource Center operating, says Dr. Tom Vendegna, HCRC Advisory Board Committee Chair. “The center is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and during that time, has experienced more than 81,000 visits and contacts.”
The event began with a champagne reception at the famous Hearst Castle for all 200 guests, followed by a gourmet dinner by Trumpet Vine Catering at the historic Hearst Ranch Dairy Barn, with an exciting live auction and live music. Over the past 11 years, “Share the Hope” has raised nearly $4 million to benefit HCRC programs and services.
While the endowment has reached its initial goal of $5 million, it is vital that we continue to generate funding to support the growing needs of the HCRC. To donate, please visit https://www.supportfrenchhospital.org/.
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About French Hospital Medical Center
French Hospital Medical Center, located in San Luis Obispo, California, is rated one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the nation and one of the Top 50 Cardiac Hospitals in the nation by Thomson Reuters. The Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center provides the latest innovative cardiac and imaging technology on the Central Coast. The hospital’s current modernization and redesign project is an example of the commitment to meet the growing needs of the community with lifesaving advancements in medicine coupled with excellent, compassionate care. The hospital is home to the unique Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French is a Dignity Health member of the Central Coast which also includes Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, CA and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA. Dignity Health of the Central Coast is an integrated network of top quality hospitals, physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services including primary care offices, premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically-advanced laboratories and imaging centers and a full service home health agency; all recognized for quality, safety and service. Each hospital is supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities.
Publish date:
Monday, May 21, 2018