Michael Lombard’s relationship with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham started with a childhood visit to the Emergency Department. In the decades since, he’s become a steadfast supporter, serving on the Board of Trustees for nine years and on the Board of Advisors, including a term as Chair. He is currently a Chair for the Transforming Health Care Here Campaign.
Recently, Lombard and his family made a generous $400,000 gift toward the campaign, as well as an additional $25,000 gift in honor of the 25th BID Needham Gala to serve as the foundation for a special fundraising challenge. His goal is to inspire others to contribute $25,000, securing 25 gifts at this level in recognition of this milestone event for the hospital and its historic ongoing campaign.
We sat down with Lombard to learn more about his involvement with the hospital over the years.
Could you provide insight into your family’s longstanding connection with BID Needham and why you continue to support the hospital today?
My family moved to Needham when I was four years old. I’m the youngest of eight children, and the hospital was part of what drew my parents here. They wanted easy access to care if any of us needed it. Lo and behold, the first night in our new house I hurt myself and had to get stitches. I have been a patient ever since. My parents always thought it was important to give back, and they felt the hospital was a meaningful resource for our family but also for the community. My mother was very dedicated to and supportive of the hospital, only wanting to get her care here. It was an institution that meant a lot to her, and she was very loyal. Given our longstanding history, it was inevitable that I would remain involved.
What led you to become involved with BID Needham in a leadership capacity, and what’s kept you engaged?
I wanted to make an impact locally, and I knew firsthand the importance of the hospital to the community. In addition to my belief in the hospital’s mission, a big reason I’ve stayed involved is the people here. I’ve gotten to know the hospital leaders, and they’re very good at what they do. I trust them and their vision. I’m also surrounded by smart, talented peers on the boards, and there’s just so much I can learn from all of them. That’s what makes it fun and enjoyable; that’s what made me say “yes” to being part of this community for life.
In addition to making a leadership gift to the Transforming Health Care Here Campaign, you also serve as a Campaign Chair. What inspired this level of investment?
This whole campaign is leaps and bounds beyond anything we’ve ever done, and it addresses some really critical areas. There is a campus transformation aspect, which will give us much-needed space to expand. The impact on the town will be amazing to see. There’s also a focus on education and training. It’s important to invest in people so they feel fulfilled professionally. Then there is access and innovation. Health care is constantly evolving, and even in the last five to ten years, things have changed dramatically. There are always new technologies and discoveries, so it’s a very exciting time. It’s especially exciting that we’re doing all of these things as a small community hospital. I’m thrilled to be part of it.
When you think back on your involvement with the hospital, are there experiences that stand out as being especially meaningful?
One experience that comes to mind is helping to start the Healthcare Heroes Fund during the pandemic. My daughter is a nurse and graduated in 2020 so I witnessed the impact on health care workers firsthand. It was great to see the ways that the funds we raised kept people going during a really difficult time. It was very meaningful to me, and I know would have been for my mother as well because she always commented on the nurses and hardworking staff.
I would also point to our first campaign for the Emergency Department expansion. We had to raise $6 million, which felt like a very ambitious goal at the time, but we did it. That campaign was the catalyst that laid the groundwork for our future campaigns and continued growth. Success breeds success. When you look at all the things we’ve been able to achieve—from major transformational buildings to new leading-edge services—each one becomes its own best moment.
Make a gift to BID Needham today. We also invite you to learn more about how you can join Lombard’s challenge with a $25,000 sponsorship for the 25th BID Needham Gala.