The Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital announced they have raised $209.5 million over the past four years as part of a $225 million philanthropic campaign.
The institutions today went public with their Hope to Health campaign, which has been underway since July 2015.
The goals of the campaign are to “accelerate discovery of life-saving biomedical research, transform health care education to ensure a strong workforce for tomorrow, to continue to lead the way in cancer research and care, and to drive the health and vitality for and with the community,” the organizations said.
MCW and Froedtert are aiming to reach the $225 million goal by December 2020.
“We know the challenges, and the world looks to us for innovation,” said Dr. John Raymond, president and chief executive officer of MCW. “As the only academic health system and largest biomedical research institution in eastern Wisconsin, and top provider of doctors for the state, we have a responsibility to drive breakthroughs and innovations that elevate health in our community. We need philanthropic partners to help us realize our vision.”
So far, more than 20,000 donors have made contributions to the campaign, 38 of which have exceeded $1 million.
“Together, MCW and Froedtert Hospital are an essential engine for healthcare excellence,” said Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO of Froedtert Health. “We need philanthropic partners to help us realize our vision. The funds raised through the Hope to Health Campaign will allow us to continue to further our vision and to bring both hope and health to as many people as possible in our region, state and beyond.”
Among the campaign’s significant contributions is the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Trust and Kern Family Foundation’s gift of $37.9 million in 2017 to MCW, which established the Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education and Kern National Network for Caring and Character in Medicine.
In September, the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund announced a $25 million pledge for MCW, in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, to accelerate research to fight pediatric cancer and blood disorders.
Additionally, the Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Endowed Innovation and Discovery Fund, a $6.5 million gift to the campaign, will help to advance genomic sciences and precision medicine at MCW.
“Every day, people come in search of hope and they find it because the finest researchers and best clinicians are right here in our own backyard,” said Linda Mellowes, a campaign advisor and donor. “These incredible institutions are making our community a healthier place, and they are truly deserving of our support.”
