Turlock, CA - After six-weeks of fundraising efforts, two benefiting events and thousands of phone calls, this year's Legacy Circle fund drive crosses the finish line with $932,013 raised for the new Emanuel Cancer Endowment.

The Emanuel Cancer Endowment is a $4 million permanent fund that will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer services in Turlock, CA. Legacy Circle has committed to raising the initial $4 million, over a three year period, to establish the endowment; but the funds will continue to grow as charitable gifts are donated for years to come. Legacy Circle looks forward to continuing its commitment by raising dollars for the endowment throughout the year and during its annual fundraising campaigns over the next two years. 

Both Legacy Circle teams, the Emanuel Employee Volunteers and the Community Volunteers, spearheaded the fundraising efforts for the endowment. 

"My team truly inspires me," said Diane Tate, Community Team Owner for Legacy Circle and employee at Yosemite Farm Credit in Turlock for 18 years.  "The large investment and credibility my team has in our community is unbelievable. Having never fund-raised before, I have been with Legacy Circle for seven years now because I am a firm believer that if you want something, you need to make it happen. My entire team and I see the importance of having the state-of-the-art equipment, the most experienced doctors and the best hospital; after all, you can't have a community without a hospital. Most of us were born and raised in Turlock and we want to make our town the best community it can be." Tate is one of the top ten producing Community team members for this year, having raised over $20,550 for the Emanuel Cancer Endowment.

The last week of fundraising was topped off with an annual pledge of $75,000 from the Emanuel Volunteer Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is comprised of 600 volunteers who donate their time to providing various daily services at Emanuel Medical Center.

"This has been such an exciting six weeks," said Ken Gomes, Emanuel Employee Team Owner and Director of Facility Services at Emanuel Medical Center. "The Emanuel Cancer Endowment is unique in its purpose because it is a gift that will keep giving for countless years ahead." Gomes is one of the top ten producing Emanuel Employee Volunteers for this year's campaign, having raised over $18,726.

Turlock has a reputation of maintaining funds for Emanuel Medical Center to continue providing quality care and the best technology for the community. 

"This town has so much heart, the passion I have seen here is mind-boggling," said Christopher Perkins, MD, Medical Director and founder of California Oncology in Turlock and Fresno, CA.  "In an age when so many hospitals are forced to close its doors, this community continues to support Emanuel Medical Center. Legacy Circle is a group of volunteers and donors who are all champions. They are champions fighting for themselves, family members and friends who already have, or may develop cancer and will need care. Their efforts will make it possible for members of this community to receive seamless patient care, all under one roof at Emanuel Medical Center."

"I am so proud of everyone involved in this year's fund drive," said John Sigsbury, President and CEO of Emanuel Medical Center. "This endowment is a reflection of our lifetime commitment to providing the best care for our patients. It's not like walking into a room, flipping the switch and walking away - we are here to stay. The Emanuel Cancer Endowment matches the need this community has for cancer services close to home. I would like to thank every volunteer, donor and staff member for making this a permanent reality for the community."

The Emanuel Cancer Endowment will provide services such as outreach and prevention, early detection, support groups, genetic risk assessment, counseling and testing, clinical research, and participation in national clinical trials. These services and leading technology will only further the reputation of Emanuel Medical Center as one of the top-quality medical organizations in the Central Valley.

Emanuel recently joined in collaboration with Stanford Hospitals & Clinics and Stanford University School of Medicine to create the Stanford Emanuel Radiation Oncology Center.

For more information on Legacy Circle, the Emanuel Cancer Endowment, or to join please contact the Office of Development at (209) 664-5180.