Hurley Foundation

HURLEY FOUNDATION CONNECTING & SERVING COMMUNITY

Hurley Medical Center has been a beacon of light in our community for over 100 years. The hospital and world look slightly different today, but the core principles of serving the community have never wavered. In 1908, James J. Hurley left a bequest of $55,000 and the highest point of property within the city of Flint for a premiere city-owned public hospital to serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Hurley Hospital opened its doors on December 19, 1908, three years after his death.

James Hurley was an immigrant who lived the American dream, working grit and grind to success. Along his journey, he witnessed his wife struggling with a severe illness while living in poverty. He never forgot. As he stepped into success, he set out to provide a solution that continues to benefit the community today. Since its start, the hospital has expanded dramatically.

In 1993, Hurley Foundation was established, bringing innovation, resources, and community connections. Their foundation’s success has much to do with the community’s support, from volunteers, sponsors, advocates, media, and Hurley employees, doing their part, rolling up their sleeves, and getting involved in some capacity. The organization’s core values showcase how miracles

happen, each person doing their little part to make this world a little better.

Hurley Foundation has created programs to keep the community involved while continually building enthusiasm and support. They have put the “fun” in fundraising, hosting their annual Hurley Trauma Golf Outing, Black- Tie Galas, Children’s Miracle Network Picnics, CMN Hospital Bowlathon, Radiothon, and more. In 2020, Hurley Foundation faced a mammoth task adjusting all fundraising and events due to COVID-19. Throughout the year, the entire Hurley team remained dedicated to finding solutions for each roadblock they faced during this unprecedented time.

Patty Creighton, Special Events Coordinator for Hurley Foundation,

Click link below to watch clips from previous Hurley Balls

https://vimeo.com/512767162

shared, “this past year was crazy and challenging!” Jumping through hoops to adjust events and implement COVID-19 safety protocols was slightly easier for their annual fall Hurley Trauma Center Golf Outing at Spring Meadows Country Club in Linden, Michigan. These events are fun for the community, but they are also equally beneficial; giving up and throwing in the towel was not an option for the Hurley Foundation team. Too many people were counting on those funds for their health and well-being. Pivoting and pushing forward with each event was made possible through dedication and community support.

As October approached, Hurley Foundation faced bigger challenges pulling off one of their most significant events of the yea ,

Pink Night Palooza. This event provides vital funding to support local families battling breast cancer, including emotional support system and financial elief for rent, utilities, food, medicine, and even co-pays. Even with overwhelming COVID-19 obstacles, the entire Hurley team was determined to find a way to ensure “the show must go on!” As a result, they created and implemented an innovative online virtual Pink Night Palooza that raised a little more than $190,000, breaking previous fundraising records.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Hurley Foundation Ball. Usually, attendees celebrate, dancing in black ties and evening gowns to support the hospital. Previous Hurley proceeds have benefited various hospital

departments, including children’s emergency room, geriatric care, children’s burn unit, and medical education training facility, among many other niche projects.

Click link below to watch the video to discover ways Hurley Foundation is serving and connecting the community.

https://vimeo.com/506034074

This year, the Hurley Ball will take on a different approach and look, including producing a 5-day celebration. The Hurley Foundation Reminiscent Ball 2021 will take place Monday, March 8th, through Saturday, March 13th. No need to put on the stilettos or ring cuffs; the event is virtual, so you can drop by anytime to participate. Some of the highlights will include celebrating 40 years of accomplishments by the Hurley Foundation and its supporters, along with a silent auction, prizes, and tribute tree to honor sponsors. As guests take a walk down memory lane, they will also support the future of Hurley.

This year’s Hurley Ball will benefit the Hurley endowment fund. Patty explained, “this helps to provide a subsidy to support our Hurley programs and services that are not covered by insurance.” The endowment fund is a crucial component to Hurley, as they provide health care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. With community support from fundraising events like this, Hurley can continue to provide the highest level of care for patients regardless of their financial circumstances.

Patty explained since COVID-19, “more people have been reaching out to help in some way and want to know how they can get involved.” She shared how heartwarming it has been to witness people getting their families involved, including kids who have started their own mini fundraisers to support the hospital to seniors making homemade blankets. One thing is evident, James Hurley’s vision rooted in serving the community still stands true. Regardless of obstacles, Hurley Foundation has gracefully been at the forefront of connecting and serving its community, even during a pandemic.

Information

For more information about Hurley Foundation and upcoming events, visit www.hurleyfoundation.org/events

Sign up for your FREE copy of Kudos magazine, published quarterly visit www.kudosflint.com