GBMC Plants “Tree of Life” in Fundraising Efforts

BALTIMORE – December 7, 2005 – Celebrating life and hope for the thousands of patients served each year at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, the GBMC Foundation has ‘planted’ a “Tree of Life” in the hospital’s main lobby.  Special “snowflake ornaments” will be hung to commemorate gifts from donors contributing toward this end-of-year fundraising effort.

“The holiday season and end-of-year giving is an essential component of our annual fundraising activities and this approach has proven to be a great success for others,” said Doug Smith, president of the GBMC Foundation.  Potential donors are being notified of the “Tree of Life” via a direct mail campaign and posters throughout the hospital campus.

Donors may direct their funds to GBMC’s Cancer Center or designate another department or program they wish their dollars to benefit.  Undesignated funds will be used for the Foundation’s general fund, which provides financial support for programs, services and equipment that allows GBMC to provide medical care of the highest quality to each patient.  All donations are tax-deductible, and any amount will enable individuals or companies to purchase an ornament for the “Tree of Life.” 

“There are many reasons to give,” Smith said, suggesting the birth of a child or grandchild, supporting a loved one or friend who is battling cancer or another illness, or recognizing general support for the hospital’s efforts as such opportunities.

Donors may also contribute to the “Tree of Life” campaign online at www.gbmc.org/foundation, or by calling the GBMC Foundation at 443-849-3399.

About GBMC
 GBMC includes Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Central Maryland’s leading community hospital; Hospice of Baltimore, which provides comfort and care to patients with life-limiting illnesses; the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Community Health Center, which offers comprehensive health and family services to the residents of East Baltimore; and the GBMC Foundation, which supports the GBMC mission by managing fundraising efforts.  The 300-bed Medical Center, located on a beautiful suburban campus, serves nearly 22,000 inpatients annually and provides approximately 50,000 emergency room visits. For more information, go to www.gbmc.org.

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