President's Corner - Zack's Dream Room

It’s amazing what a community can accomplish when they work together.

Two weeks ago, we found out about a young boy named Zack Hamilton. Zack was born in 2007 with several medical conditions including a congenital heart defect, fluid on his brain, hearing loss and global developmental delay. Most uniquely, geneticists discovered Zack had a deletion of the 12^th chromosome – the only recorded case in the world.

Unfortunately, Zack passed away on March 10, 2011 at the age of three-and-a-half. Staff at York Central Hospital, who had become quite fond of Zack during his stays over his short life, put forth the idea of creating an Elmo-themed room in honour of their “frequent flyer”. Zack’s Dream Room was born.

Foundation staff worked with Zack’s mom, Heather, to create a website to raise the required $25,000 to make the room a reality and to raise awareness of this great cause.

The site has been live for less than two weeks and in that time, more than $10,000 has been raised from individuals and businesses alike. Several events within the community have been planned and more and more businesses have stepped forward, offering to donate proceeds from their services and products to Zack’s Dream Room. The outpouring of support has been outstanding!

Having been in fundraising for more than 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of families who seek to fundraise in honour of a loved one who has passed away. Their strength never ceases to amaze me, and the Hamiltons are no exception.

This particular case is especially unique as the project was started by staff. Not only does this showcase the incredible impact Zack and the Hamiltons have had on the YCH family, it also represents the character of our staff. Their dedication to their workplace and most importantly the patients is truly remarkable.

Donations to support Zack’s Dream Room can be made online or by calling the Foundation office at 905-883-2032.

Thank you to everyone who has showed their support for this special project. Through your generosity, we’re one step closer to creating an incredible tribute for this memorable little boy.  

Wishing you the best of health,

Bill Leacy

President & CEO

Job Posting - Development Assistant

Job Title: Development Assistant
Department: Foundation
Reports to: Manager, Special Events
Job Classification: Full-time Position
Start Date: April, 2011

York Central Hospital Foundation’s Mission: We inspire inspirational gifts.

York Central Hospital Foundation was established in 1977 to raise funds for equipment and capital improvements that will positively impact patient care at York Central Hospital. Although operating costs are largely funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care, a significant portion of the money required for state-of-the-art equipment, technology and facility renewal is raised in our community through generous donors.

York Central Hospital’s Mission: We reach out – with expert and
compassionate care.

For more than 46 years, York Central has been a provider of increasingly progressive and innovative health care services to our community. As the health care system changes to better meet the needs of those it serves, York Central Hospital will continue to be there. York Central Hospital will be there to lead change in the way that many health care service providers work with each other; to lead change in its unique and comprehensive range of services; and to lead change in providing more services “closer to home.”

The Position: Development Assistant
This position will provide support for all special events and gift administration. This position will also provide support to the Development Team as needed, including preparing correspondence, assisting in maintaining accurate donor records and preparing promotional materials for meetings and events.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Support Special Events Manager and Special Events Coordinator, volunteers, and others on signature and community events
• Assist Gift Administrator, including entering donations into Raiser’s Edge database and taking deposits to the bank
• Enter all in-kind donations into the Raiser’s Edge database
• Represent Foundation at all community events/third party events
• Provide support for committees as needed, including preparing meeting packages, attending meetings, taking notes and circulating minutes to all committee members as required
• Assist with all event mailings including personalization of letters and sponsorship packages, special thank you letters and all other required materials
• Assist Special Events Coordinator with cataloguing of auction/raffle items for all events
• Provide relief reception duties as needed
• Such further and other duties as needed

Education and Qualifications Required:

• University Degree/College Diploma with a minimum of two years related experience in a professional environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge an asset
• Possess the ability to plan, organize and prioritize work, while handling multiple tasks and interruptions with poise and patience
• Display effective writing skills, especially in the area of correspondence and report writing
• Demonstrate the ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion

Please forward CV’s to Margo Sage-Arnold, Manager, Special Events at foundation@yorkcentral.on.ca

* Please reference the job title “Development Assistant” in the subject line of your e-mail

We thank you for your interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Inspirational Project - Zack Hamilton

On March 10, 2011, the world lost a very inspirational little boy, Zack Hamilton.

Zack was born in September 2007 with a congenital heart defect known as Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage (TAPVD). At two and a half weeks old, Zack underwent a procedure to repair his heart. Zack’s survival at that time, was the first of many miracles in his life.

Zack also had several other anomalies, including hearing loss, global developmental delay, feeding issues, a gastrostomy tube (G-Tube), seizures, and fluid in the brain. Though he had no official overall diagnosis, the genetics team discovered Zack had a deletion of the 12th chromosome. This deletion is the first recorded case in the world, making Zack a very special and unique little guy.

Although just 3 years old, Zack touched many more people that he ever could have realized. Life is best measured by impact and not duration. In that way, Zack lived a life of incredible importance.

To honour this amazing little boy, we are raising funds to dedicate a room to Zack at York Central Hospital decorated with his favourite character – Elmo.

You can help us make Zack’s Dream Room a reality by making an online donation now. Your tax-deductible gift will help ensure Zack’s memory continues to live on.

You can find out updates on this project through our Facebook account, Twitter page, and through Zack’s Dream Room Website. Information can also be found by visiting his mom, Heather's blog and Zack's Dream Twitter page.

For more information about the project, please contact:

Tammy Bucci
Major Gifts Officer
Tel: 905-883-1212 x7805
E-mail: tbucci@yorkcentral.on.ca

Alyshia Higgins
Stewardship and Communications Coordinator
Tel: 905-883-1212 x7810
E-mail: ahiggins@yorkcentral.on.ca  

Thank you for your support. Together, we are helping to honour this remarkable young boy in a truly special way.

Sincerely yours,

Alyshia

Stewardship & Communications Coordinator

Lace Up For A Great Cause!

It’s that time of year again – pull out your running shoes and jogging gear and get ready to walk or run for a great cause!

Join York Central Hospital Foundation as we take strides in support of the District Stroke Centre, here in York Region on May 7 at Richmond Green Park in Richmond Hill. Sign up for the 5K Run/Walk or participate in the 1K Children's Scamper for those 12 and under.

Since 2006, this annual event has raised over $345,000, helping to fund state-of-the art medical equipment for York Central Hospital. Last year, more than 750 participants raised $116,000. This year our goal is to raise at least $75,000 and proceeds will be directed to the York Region District Stroke Centre located within the hospital.

As the District Stroke Centre for York Region, York Central has a leadership role in ensuring that stroke patients have rapid access to diagnosis and treatment, appropriate rehabilitation, and long-term care services.

Your support of the Richview Manor Strides for Stroke 5K Run/Walk will directly contribute to funding an annual District Stroke Bursary to offer high quality education opportunities to York Central Hospital staff in order to provide them with continuous, up-to-date knowledge on best practices to treat stroke patients. Proceeds from the event will also help fund equipment to support staff in delivering acute stroke treatment.

Take of advantage of the early bird registration fee by registering today at www.yorkcentralrun.com. Hurry – fees go up April 1, 2011.

Join today as an individual, or encourage your office and family members to participate and register as a team. Friendly competition is welcomed and encouraged, especially for such a great cause!

If you have any questions about the run, please email Jaimie Shen.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, May 7.

Sincerely yours,

Alyshia

Stewardship & Communications Coordinator

Inspirational Gift - Andrea Tang

For the second year in a year, Andrea Tang has shown she has a heart of gold.

The 17-year-old recently celebrated her birthday and in lieu of gifts, asked friends and family to help her raise money for the John & Josie Watson Breast Health Centre at York Central Hospital.

Andrea started donating her birthday proceeds to YCH last year to show her support for the care her mother received at the hospital.

This year, Andrea donated $800 to the hospital. This, combined with last year's donation totals $1,500. Happy birthday Andrea, and thank you for Caring to make a difference!

(PHOTO: left to right - Wendy McInnis, Technical Specialist – Mammography, Andrea Tang, 17 and Cindy Draycott, Operations Director Diagnostic Services & Clinical Support. )

Media Release - Fundraising Event Exceeds Goal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 7, 2011

Biennial Event Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Richmond Hill, ON– York Central Hospital Foundation’s second r.a.p.t. in health luncheon raised $150,000 net, exceeding its original fundraising goal.

“The event completely exceeded our expectations, and we couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Margo Sage-Arnold, Manager, Special Events at the foundation. “Our first luncheon in 2009 raised $50,000, and we were hoping to double it with this event, so we’re incredibly pleased.”

More than 400 guests, mainly women, attended the event held on March 4 at Le Parc Concord. Guests participated in raffle draws, received door prizes and were entertained by Yani and the Clave Kings who got the crowd up and dancing. Guests also enjoyed a delicious healthy lunch, followed by a chocolate pairing demonstration for dessert.  In appreciation for attending the event, each guest received a gift bag with numerous products donated by generous companies and individuals.

Keynote speakers included Honorary Chair Beverly Thomson. Ms. Thomson is Co-host of CTV Canada AM. Dr. Bryce Wylde, one of Canada’s leading alternative health experts, also spoke about nutrition and healthy eating.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of the community, donors, generous sponsors and of course, our r.a.p.t. in health committee members,” said Ms. Sage-Arnold. “Co-chairs Vilma Cortellucci-Fiuza and Lee Zanetti provided incredible leadership and helped make this event a tremendous success.”

The funds raised will go towards equipping York Central Hospital’s newly renovated and expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The state-of-the-art unit was opened on December 14 and will eventually have the capacity to care for twice as many patients as the old unit.

The first r.a.p.t. in health luncheon was held in 2009 and since than, has raised over $200,000 for priority projects including the John and Josie Watson Breast Health Centre and the NICU.

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Contact:            Margo Sage-Arnold

Manager, Special Events

York Central Hospital Foundation

(905) 883-2032

msagearnold@yorkcentral.on.ca

President's Corner - RHCOC Awards

Last night was an evening of accomplishments, celebrations and recognition.

The 20^th Annual Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards were held at the Sheraton Convention Centre and eight local businesses received recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment over the past year.

Being recognized by your peers for your hard work, dedication and service excellence is an outstanding accomplishment and I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to attend.

Winners of the prestigious awards were as follows:

General Award:
Gordon Wood Optical
Mister Transmission (International) Limited
Reggio Kids
Richmond Hill Toyota
Costco Wholesale Richmond Hill

Non Profit Award
Yellow Brick House

PowerStream Conservation and Environmental Sustainability Award
Toronto Recycling Inc.   

Mayor’s Award
PCI Geomatics Enterprises Inc.

It was inspiring to see the awards given out and to hear speeches from the CEOs, owners and employees of each company. In Richmond Hill, our economy is thriving and prosperous and it is because of business owners and employees like the ones who attended last night.

Congratulations to all of the award winners!

Wishing you the best of health,

Bill Leacy
President & CEO