Thousands of names that recognize individuals, families, foundations, businesses and community groups that have supported Dominican Hospital.
Early in November, Dominican Hospital Foundation donors, board members, and sponsors gathered in the hospital lobby to view the unveiling of the two new Donor Walls. Designed by award winning Soquel artist, Heather Matthews of Heather Glass, these works of art are located in highly visible spaces in the main lobby and the Courtyard.
The Lobby Donor Wall pays tribute to donors who have made cumulative gifts of $5,000 – $1,000,000+ during the hospital’s 74 years. Featuring etched glass art panels and special lighting, it attracts attention from all who enter the hospital. The Courtyard Donor Wall pays tribute to donors of $1,000 – $4,999.
“The Donor Walls not only allow observers to see just how many people are involved in making the Hospital a state of the art facility, but are also an opportunity for reflective pause. The beautiful pond themed art allows people to stop and reflect,” says Ian Mackenzie, Foundation Board Vice President and Chair of the Donor Recognition Committee that has been working on the Donor Wall recognition project.
Before pulling the curtain to reveal the new Donor Wall’s captivating design, Dominican Hospital President, Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz and Ted Burke, Foundation President, discussed the impact the support these generous individuals have on the community.
“Dominican Hospital has always occupied a large place in the heart of our community,” said Burke. “It is only fitting that the community of past supporters occupies a large and prominent place at the hospital. And when looking forward from this day on, I am truly grateful to the many wonderful, generous people who will continue to support us and indeed the entire Santa Cruz community as we work to enable the high quality care provided by the dedicated physicians and staff at Dominican.”
Many of the donors in attendance were physicians and staff. Over 33% of Dominican Hospital employees contribute through Employee Giving Campaign. Physicians have a giving circle called the Pteron Society and local medical groups such as Dignity Health Medical Group, Radiology Medical Group, Physicians Medical Group and Santa Cruz Surgery Center became Annual Healthcare Sponsors.
“This wall reflects the commitment the staff and physicians have in providing high quality healthcare services to our community,” said Dr. Mickiewicz, “We have made great strides as a team toward our vision to be the best place to receive care, practice medicine and work.”
This year $2.2 million was contributed by Foundation donors to the Hospital for patient care. The Endoscopy Suite, featuring the latest technology is now open. A CardioHelp system was purchased — the world’s smallest portable heart-lung support system designed to treat and to transport patients needing extended respiratory and/or circulatory support, among other advanced technology. State-of-the-art lab analyzers are now able to provide physicians with results of blood test and detect infections in two hours, versus 24-48 hours.
Matthews designed both Donor Walls. She and her husband Tim donated a part of their time for this project. “I believe in the power of art as a healing force and am grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the hospital. The Donor Walls illustrate the central role donors play in the health and vitality of our community. I hope they will create a healing experience for patients and families and inspire others to support the Hospital.”
Heather’s studio, Heather Glass, is located in Soquel and provides etched and carved glass for residential, commercial, corporate, and public art clients worldwide.
Bogard Construction installed the Donor Wall with help of Frank Cedarblade of HGA Architects. Both companies are long time donors and supporters of the hospital.
Periodically, the Donor Walls will be updated, with new donors and donors moving up in their levels of giving.