Event celebrates philanthropy at SCH

On May 22, more than 70 generous donors gathered at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville, convening to celebrate their gifts in action. Last year, more than 20,000 lives were affected by the $1.56 million in donations to Swedish Covenant Hospital.The luncheon was attended by members of both the President’s Society (those who give $1,000 or more annually) and Heritage Society (those who have named Swedish Covenant Hospital as a beneficiary in their estate plans or have made a life income gift). Attendees included hospital employees, community members, and local partners.President and CEO Anthony Guaccio shared a moving presentation, capturing the use of a donor dollar with eloquence and emotion, expounding on testimonies of those impacted by the services provided by Swedish Covenant Hospital. One especially sobering narrative starred a woman escaping from an abusive situation with the help of the hospital’s Violence Prevention Program, a program made possible through generous philanthropy. Last year, 740 survivors of domestic violence were identified and assisted through this program.Kimberly Leslie, emergency department clinical director, highlighted the Better Health Through Housing initiative. Swedish Covenant Hospital partnered with the Center for Housing and Health through the City of Chicago’s Better Health through Housing Program, which aims to provide permanent housing and services for patients who are homeless. The hospital provides social services for 10 chronically homeless individuals, including intensive case management and managed healthcare services. Featured on NBC Chicago, this program has already gained renown in the neighborhood and city.Attendees were also gifted an exclusive sneak peek into upcoming projects of Swedish Covenant Hospital. Exciting changes are on the horizon, made possible through the philanthropy of generous donors.For more information about giving societies, click here or contact the Foundation at (773) 293-5121 or foundation@swedishcovenant.org.