More than $15 million: That's how much money Spartanburg Regional Health System (SRHS) employees have contributed over the 25-year history of the Foundation.

Ask why employees donate, and you'll likely hear answers similar to those of one longtime supporter, “Doc” Hines, who works in facilities at Pelham Medical Center.

“I have been real blessed,” he said. “I have a good job with the system, and I work with some really fine people. This is a great way for me to give back.”

Director of medical education and donor, Angie Ayers, puts it this way: “I've been fortunate to have received support during my career at SRHS, and I want to support the system and help patients in need.”

Ayers and Hines are among those who have given consistently since the inception of the annual employee campaign more than two decades ago.

Seeing Generosity in Action

Former system president Charles Boone recalled that when he and other leaders were putting together plans for the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, they hoped there would be opportunities for employees to participate. He knew that staff members would feel a sense of ownership in philanthropic projects, and that they would be a generous and loyal group. He was optimistic about their support.

Still, Boone says, “I have to admit, they have exceeded my expectations.”

With such a spirit of generosity, employees play an essential role in making capital projects come to life. They have helped to create and strengthen patient assistance funds. And they have supported grants to hundreds of community organizations and special projects of SRHS departments.

Director of philanthropy Shelly Sinclair, who heads up the employee campaign, notes that employee giving has grown steadily in recent years. During each of the past three years, staff contributions have topped more than $1.2 million.

Reasons for Giving

“Their support is just tremendous,” Sinclair said. “We visit offices and departments throughout the system to give short presentations about the campaign, and the response we get is really positive. Employees are proud of the work they do, and they care about their patients. They want to go above and beyond and give something extra to help the patients they serve and to make our healthcare system even stronger.”

Like other donors, employees have diverse interests when it comes to giving.

Hines said he lost his father to cancer, so he has often directed his gifts to cancer research and Spartanburg Regional Hospice's Thanksgiving and Easter Meals program.

Ayers has donated to a variety of funds over the years and said she was especially proud several years ago to support the creation of AccessHealth, which serves uninsured members of the community.

Like many employees, Anita Butler, vice president of post-acute care, has also supported numerous priorities identified by system administrators – especially capital campaigns.

“I believe in supporting the building projects the system has undertaken so that we can be on the forefront of innovation,” she said.

She also appreciates the services that the Harold E. Fleming Patient Independence Fund provides for patients of the Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care. It funds wheelchair ramps and other modifications in the homes of patients who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

Thanks in great measure to thousands of employee donors, Spartanburg Regional Foundation continues to play a vital role in making top-notch healthcare a reality for SRHS patients.