TURLOCK — The ongoing campaign to raise $1.2 million toward the new Emanuel Critical Care Center on Thursday topped $282,743.

Fundraising volunteers at Thursday’s pair of mixers turned in $92,015 in pledges for Legacy Circle, the giving arm of Emanuel Medical Center.  The more than 250 volunteers raise funds by renewing past Legacy Circle members and recruiting new members.

“At the end of the third week of our six-week campaign, we are delighted to report and welcome 113 new Legacy Circle members and $48,000 in new dollars,” said Shirley Pok, Vice President of Development.  “We encourage everyone in our community to consider pledging their support within these remaining three weeks of the Legacy Circle membership campaign."
     
Debbie Martin, a critical care and progressive care unit resource nurse, had four new members among her $2,416 in pledges. The 34-year Emanuel veteran’s two-week total: $9,668.

Martin has seen firsthand the need for a state-of-art Critical Care Center.

“We need it so desperately,” she said.  “People don’t realize how much they need it — until they need it.”

Celeste Ameer, a registered nurse, said it was easy securing the eight pledges she recorded on Thursday.

“It’s amazing how generous the community is,” she said about the Critical Care Center fund drive.  “They feel it’s a vital part of the community.”

Eileen Hamilton, a member last year and now a volunteer, said the Emanuel emergency room has been vital to her family the past 38 years.

“I’ve had enough experience going to the emergency room that I know the need,” she said.  

For more information about the 2006 Legacy Circle campaign or to donate to this year’s Fund Drive, please call the Office of Development at Emanuel, (209) 664-5180.
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