TURLOCK — Legacy Circle volunteers on Thursday turned in $141,577 to bring their campaign to raise $1.2 million toward the new Emanuel Critical Care Center to $420,270.

Gary and Cecelia Almeida of Turlock were among the leading fundraisers on Thursday with $13,650 in pledges.  Gary Almeida said he has yet to be turned down when asking for a donation.

“I haven’t had one person tell me they’re tired of giving,” said Gary Almeida.  “They think it’s a wonderful cause. Some people have even driven by to see the new building.”

The owners of Almeida’s Classic Cars, the couple said they are busy with their business, but always find time to raise funds by renewing past Legacy Circle members and recruiting new members.

“I just take 10 or 15 minutes from here and there and make phone calls,” said Cecelia Almeida.

“The best thing our volunteers do is give others the chance to give,” said Shirley Pok, Vice President of Development.  “We encourage our friends and neighbors to say ‘yes,’ join Legacy Circle of Emanuel and be a part of something so important for our community.”

Bob Field, fund drive chairman, was confident Legacy Circle, the giving arm of Emanuel Medical Center, can reach its goal.  He asked for the community to join Legacy Circle and also support “A Wine Toast to the Emergency Department” on Oct. 1 and the drawing for a $38,000 new car at the Oct. 5 campaign finale at Turlock Auto Plaza.

The wine tasting event is hosted by On Broadway with Two Guys Catering at 153 S. Broadway in Turlock. The 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. event will include a variety of wines and gourmet appetizers.  Raffles and silent auctions will feature a dinner for 12 and gems donated from Vail Creek Jewelers and Ciccarelli Jewelers.

On Broadway owners Stephen Backus and Edmond Samo hope to raise $10,000 for Legacy Circle from the event. Tickets are $45 per person and may be purchased by calling 667-8779, or by calling the Office of Development. The pair last year donated $4,100 from a crab feed they staged.

“It’s for the community and we’re part of the community,” said Samo.  “The new Emergency Department is something that’s been needed for quite a while.  We’re honored to be a part of it.”

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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