SPRING 2008

The Foundation

By James E. Murray, Chairman and President
Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation

In 2007, the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation disbursed $572,500 (highest annual amount) to the Holy Family Hospital.  This allocation assisted in the deliveries of 3,226 infants, 18,746 women and children examined in outpatient consultations and 342 babies achieving their fullest potential through neonatal intensive care.   Additionally, the foundation sponsored two nurses and two students to receive degrees in midwifery from Bethlehem University in order to meet the hospital's long term staffing needs.  

The generous response to the foundation’s fundraising programs generated $690,705 from 693 donors in 2007 (an increase of $264,363 over last year).  Knights and Dames from the three U.S. Associations of the Order of Malta contributed $315,446,
committed Christians outside the Order donated $202,339, twenty five parishes collectively donated $57,920 and foundation’s granted $115,000 in funds. 

As a result of the foundation’s major gift campaign, which concluded in 2003, the foundation’s investment portfolio fund totaled $6.6 million as of December 31, 2007.  The major gift campaign was designed to serve as a reliable stream of financial support to the hospital.  By combining what it takes out of its portfolio with the funds it raises from the annual giving program, the foundation is able to cover disbursements to the hospital and modest foundation expenses.

On behalf of all those being served we thank you all for your contributions and commitment to the work of the Foundation. During my visit in October 2007, I was able to witness the marvelous new labor ward, which opened in October, 2007 and is a state-of-the-art facility, unsurpassed by any maternity hospital in the region.  This addition to the hospital was made possible by the $3.5 million grant given from the United States Agency for International Development through the urging of the foundation.  It is another illustration of the commitment of the Order of Malta to provide the finest degree of medical care to "our lords, the poor and the sick.”