Women’s Giving Network Makes a Huge Impact

Our new Empath Health Women’s Giving Network formed last year to help support and further care for the community. The group of now 16 members carries out a philanthropic mission to create or expand innovative programs and services of Empath Health. Members commit to a minimum $1,000 contribution each year of a two-year term.

The women awarded their full $9,000 of available grant funds as well as an additional $1,000 in contributions at their inaugural annual meeting on August 14, 2017.

Grant funding included:

  1. Bladder scanner to help assess treatment for patients at our Suncoast Hospice Care Centers
  2. Perinatal Loss Support Program supplies for memory boxes and burial services to help women honor their babies after experiencing a miscarriage or death of a baby before or after birth
  3. Healing Hearts Grief Camp to help support African-American children and their families who are grieving the unexpected deaths of family members or friends
  4. Shopping carts to help create a more comfortable experience for shoppers at our Suncoast Hospice Resale Shops

The additional funding was designated for aromatherapy start-up kits to improve comfort and quality of life for our Suncoast Hospice patients in long-term care facilities and our Suncoast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) participants. This therapy uses the aromatic essences of essential oils to reduce pain, anxiety and agitation along with other beneficial effects.

Looking to expand the group and future funding, Suncoast Hospice Foundation VP of Philanthropy Kathy Rabon shared, “Every year, we’ll award 75% of funds and 25% will stay in the pot. Our goal for 2018 is 25 members and $25,000. Our ultimate goal is 50 members and $50,000.”

Spread the Word!
Know any women who may be interested in joining the Women’s Giving Network? Please have them contact Carla Mattern, Suncoast Hospice Foundation Director of Philanthropy, at (727) 523-3414 or CarlaMattern@EmpathHealth.org.