The Mount Carmel Foundation’s Associate Giving Appeal has reached another all-time high, raising $286,168 for 2011/2012. The record total represents a 25 percent increase over last year’s appeal.

“I know I speak for my fellow associates at the Foundation and our system leadership in saying that we are truly blessed to be part of such a giving community," said Foundation President and Executive Director Doug Stein. "A very heartfelt 'thank you' to everyone who participated. Your gifts will help our patients, families, and associates in need.”

Foundation development officer Deirdre DeWeese, who is responsible for the Associate Giving Appeal's planning and operations, said the tireless efforts of co-chairs Mary Jo Dickinson and Brian Pierson helped lead the way to this year's success.

"This year, we offered associates the opportunity to double their impact," DeWeese said.

"Associates who gave to our traditional mission-driven programs had their gifts matched dollar for dollar, and those matching funds were designated to several improvement projects across the system," she added. "It was a very popular program for our donors, and the Foundation is pleased to play a role in projects at each Mount Carmel campus."