March 27, 2009

Turlock, The need is great, the vision is grand and the cure is now closer thanks to The Ahlem family’s $1 million matching gift to Legacy Circle’s current fundraising cause, the Emanuel Cancer Endowment.

 

Legacy Circle, Emanuel Medical Center’s annual giving program, announced today this generous gift with gratitude and excitement as it looks toward the final year of a three-year campaign focused on community and employee fund-raising efforts. This year’s campaign is scheduled to kick-off in August 2009.

 

The Ahlem family’s $1 million matching gift brings Emanuel closer to its $4 million goal, while continuing a philanthropic legacy and community commitment begun by the late Bill and Elsie Ahlem. Both were longtime advocates of Emanuel Medical Center. Their children, Sharon Clauss, Bill Ahlem, Judi Honoré, Chuck Ahlem and Jim Ahlem, and their families, follow close in Bill and Elsie’s footsteps as fundraisers, volunteers, board members, and hosts for various hospital events.

 

The Ahlem family has strong ties to the medical community. Elsie Ahlem was a nurse and she sparked in her children an interest and appreciation for the importance of quality health care. There’s also a special appreciation for Emanuel Medical Center as a community cornerstone that has been passed down through the Ahlem generations. This generous $1 million matching gift commitment is a fitting tribute to Bill and Elsie Ahlem.

 

“Roots of faith tend to run deep in rural communities. It’s important to have a place, and people, who can serve our local community with the level of care Emanuel provides,” Jim Ahlem says. “Our folks felt a need to support the community. We are just carrying on that legacy of giving.”

 

“The Ahlem family’s very generous donation is an inspiration for all of us working on the Emanuel Cancer Endowment and a powerful piece of motivation to finish strong on this worthy fundraising cause,” said Emanuel Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer John Sigsbury. “They are a shining example of community philanthropy at its finest. I hope and anticipate they also will be an inspiration for people throughout our community.”

 

Legacy Circle continues its efforts to provide the latest advanced technology and top-notch medical facilities and care providers, and the community continues to be touched by the legacy of each Ahlem generation.

 

About the Emanuel Cancer Endowment

The Emanuel Cancer Endowment is a $4 million permanent fund that will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for regional cancer services. Legacy Circle has committed to raising the initial $4 million to establish the endowment, but the fund will continue to grow as charitable gifts are donated for years to come. The Emanuel Cancer Endowment will provide services such as outreach and prevention, early detection, screenings, support groups, genetic risk assessment, counseling and testing, clinical research, and participation in national clinical trials. These services and leading technology will further the reputation of Emanuel Medical Center as one of the top-quality medical organizations in the Central Valley.

 

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