BUILDING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY THROUGH PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy is vital to University Health System’s success, and enables the funding of programs and services that bring health and healing to San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas. Every gift received directly supports patient-centered care, innovative research and compassionate care and healing.
The University Health System Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, was incorporated as a non-profit entity to solicit, receive, and maintain funds exclusively for University Health System, and the community it serves.
As a nonprofit health system, we rely on both public funds and private contributions to meet the healthcare challenges of today and the future. While public funds address the most basic needs at University Health System, private contributions allow us to improve delivery of care to patients, support urgent healthcare needs, and invest in our staff.
In 2016, the Foundation
> Raised more than $1.2 million in support of the physical and emotional needs of children and their families
> Supported
patients with exceptional needs such as food, lodging or transportation
> Advanced a culture of compassion for patients, their families and our staff
We extend our appreciation to the many individuals and organizations whose time and contributions have made 2017 such a tremendous success. Their investment strengthens a tradition of philanthropy that continues to advance our mission and improve our community in numerous ways.
EMPLOYEE GIVING
This year’s Employee Giving theme “Celebrating 100 Years of Caring – Giving From the Heart” truly represented the level of commitment that University Health System Staff has for our patients and programs. A new record was set for 2017 Employee Giving, with 1,123 employees participating and $173,613 pledged to benefit our patient and staff programs!
Thanks to the generosity of our University Health System employees and the success of the 2017 Employee Giving, the Appropriations Committee approved awarding up to $60,000 to fund innovative programs and projects that are strategically aligned with the University Health System’s mission in the following areas:
> Women’s and Children’s Health
> Teen Health
> Community Engagement
> Employee Projects
> Spiritual Care
OUR SONS & DAUGHTERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This year’s “Our Sons & Daughters” Scholarship program is made possible by the generosity of University Health System employees through Employee Giving. Since 2010, we have awarded 65 scholarships totaling $54,500. This year, 11 students were selected, and each student received a $1,500 scholarship to pursue their post-secondary education.
LO BELLO DE SAN ANTONIO WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Thank you to Lo Bello de San Antonio Women’s Association for their most recent contribution of $10,000 to the Foundation’s Nursing Scholarship fund. Since 2005, Lo Bello contributed a total of $131,000 that has directly supported 19 graduates receiving an advanced degree in nursing. Lo Bello de San Antonio Women’s Association consists of business and professional women who volunteer their time and resources to assist in increasing educational opportunities in the community.
UNITED WAY PUBLIC CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN
The Foundation became an approved agency in the 2017 United Way San Antonio Metropolitan Area Charitable Campaign. The Foundation is now listed in brochures for Bexar County, the city of San Antonio, and Combined School District Charitable Campaigns. The 2017 campaign provides the opportunity to reach a new audience and raise funds to support our mission and goals. We are listed as #8068 University Health System Foundation.
2017 WALL OF HONOR
Three inductees to the Texas Diabetes Institute’s (TDI) Dr. Saul Trevino Wall of Honor were celebrated at the annual luncheon held in July. The Wall of Honor recognizes distinguished individuals and organizations for their outstanding commitment to diabetes prevention, treatment, education, research and the relentless search for a cure. Receiving the Vision of Research award was Curtis Triplitt, director of diabetes research at TDI; the Heart of Care award went to Theresa De La Haya, senior vice president of community health and service line programs; and the Foundation of Education was the San Antonio Food Bank. With approximately 295 guests in attendance, the event netted more than $11,000 to support the work of the Texas Diabetes Institute.
WAITING FOR RAIN
A beautiful sculpture carved out of Indiana limestone, titled “Waiting for Rain,” was donated by artist Ruth Burink of San Antonio, and is located in the garden outside the Peveto Center for Pastoral Care at University Hospital. The piece is meant to convey hope to our patients, their families and community and it is with deep gratitude that it joins our Salud-Arte: Art of Healing Program.
BABY BOX
The second phase of the Baby Box Program was launched at University Health System in May. Patients delivering their baby at University Hospital receive the Baby Box upon completion of the syllabus of online educational videos. The boxes, which come with a fitted mattress, provide a safe sleeping environment for the baby and contain a starter kit of diapers and other supplies. The nonprofit group Baby Education for South Texas, or BEST, launched a citywide Baby Box effort in May, followed by a statewide launch.