2009 Employee Annual Fund Campaign - Regionals

Together we are making a difference

Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation's Employee Annual Fund Campaign helps raise funds to support the Employee Carefund,  to support areas of greatest need and to support a care area of particular interest to you. The CareFund provides for the emergency needs of employees who find themselves facing an unexpected or catastrophic financial hardship. In 2008 the PHS Employee CareFund provided over $109,000 in financial support to 62 employees who needed help with rent, mortgage, and utility payments, along with other necessities.  This was the highest dollar amount since its inception.

Each year your generosity surpasses the previous year's, and we greatly appreciate your support and belief in our work. You make our day every time you so generously donate your dollars to make a difference in the quality of life for others in our community. By filling out a pledge card, you are continuing the tradition of caring and compassion so representative of Presbyterian employees.

The Employee CareFund provides assistance to all PHS employees, including the entire Presbyterian Delivery System. PHP employees are provided the same assistance through the PHP Employee CareFund, which is funded through the PHP administrative budget. 

Read on for a story about one of your fellow employees who was helped by the Employee Carefund.

Michael Sorenson, LCMC/Ruidoso

"I woke up to water pouring into our house about 2:30 in the morning," Michael Sorenson, an employee with Lincoln County Medical Center in Ruidoso, said. 

"We flew out of bed and started picking things up and unplugging electrical equipment as fast as we could," his wife Cecilia added. There was no going back to bed that night.

Estimates to repair damages from the flooding of the Ruidoso River and the Cedar Creek tributary, which began the night of Sunday, July 27, stand at $15 million.  The flood came in a rush over 24 hours beginning late on the evening of July 26 and by Monday morning the damage was everywhere.

The Sorensons had about six inches of water in their home as they struggled to save furniture and whatever else they could from the water and mud flowing into their home.  "We were in the house for eight hours before we could get out," Michael said. As they worked frantically inside, the street in front of their home had become a river. By mid-morning when they looked out the living room window, they saw friends in their 4x4 Bronco slowly making their way upstream to rescue them.

Cecilia, Bella, and Michael

The Sorensons were allowed back into the house on Tuesday the 29th to salvage whatever they could and by Thursday that week they were looking for another place to live – which they found after a month of searching. 

"We received help with a rent payment and the purchase of new furniture from the Foundation's Employee Carefund," Michael said.  We want to thank everyone for the help we received in our time of need, he wrote in expressing his gratitude to the Foundation.

Today the family including their kitty Bella are settled in a new home, hopefully situated far from the river's path.

2009 Employee Annual Fund Campaign

Last year on October 24, Presbyterian celebrated its Centennial. For over 100 years we have looked after the health and well-being of our employees, members and patients, giving so many optimism and hope for the future.  By filling out a pledge card, you are continuing the tradition of caring and compassion, two words that have become synonymous with Presbyterian's employees.

In 2009 Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation allocated over $1.2 million to Presbyterian Healthcare Services and the community.

In 2008 contributed dollars purchased...

• Fetal monitors in Socorro

• Educational materials for Diabetes in Espanola

• Feeding pumps in Tucumcari

• Educational materials for Cancer patients in Clovis 

Your caring and compassion help to meet such needs as these, with the following donations per pay period:

• $2 could purchase educational materials for cancer patients needing information on chemotherapy, pain support and coping
• $2 could secure lodging for out-of-town patients in Albuquerque for treatment
• $3 could help cancer patients purchase medications in times of financial stress

You can also sign up for, review or update your payroll deduction on PresElect. Login and select Charitable Giving.

Regional PHS employees (.pdf)

If you have questions about the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation Employee Campaign, please call (505) 724-6587.