Created in 2012 to encourage people to do good, #GivingTuesday is now a global movement that celebrates philanthropy and inspires millions to give. This past year, the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Needham (BID Needham) #GivingTuesday campaign was centered around the Healthcare Heroes Fund, supporting dedicated frontline staff. Michael Lombard, a leading donor and longtime BID Needham board member, leveraged his #GivingTuesday gift of $125,000 to encourage and challenge other community members to give in support of their local community hospital and its dedicated workforce. Together, they raised more than $225,000. 

The hospital has come a long way since Lombard joined the Board of Trustees 20 years ago. “Being a part of this hospital and community for as long as I have means a lot to me,” says Lombard. “I am so proud of what we have accomplished here over many years. All the new buildings and capital campaigns that have been successful led me to appreciate our community even more. Philanthropy makes it all possible.” The precedent of giving is deeply embedded at BID Needham, and Lombard believes the coming years have much more in store. 

The connection between BID Needham and the community is special. “It is important to give so this institution, and its people, can continue to grow and thrive,” says Lombard. “After seeing what the staff went through and how they stepped up during the pandemic, it’s my obligation to step up my giving.” Lombard recognizes that staff are essential to the hospital, now more than ever. He learned firsthand about the impact of COVID-19 on those working in healthcare from his daughter, a nurse in Connecticut. Her tales of what frontline workers were able to manage daily, during such a harrowing time, inspired him and got him thinking about what is really important at a hospital. “It’s really the people that make this institution,” says Lombard. “My mother didn’t come here because of what the building looked like. She came here because she appreciated who was talking to her during every visit she made.”  

In the past, Lombard elected to match gifts on #GivingTuesday to encourage support. He sees it as a means of challenging and inspiring others to give. “Michael supports the hospital in an intentional way,” says Samantha Sherman, Regional Vice President of Philanthropy. “It shows how much he cares for this place, and he simultaneously opens opportunities for fellow donors to get involved.” Adds BID Needham President John Fogarty: “We are so grateful to Michael for his longtime support and dedication, for recognizing how vital philanthropy is to our mission, and for his efforts to engage others in our fundraising efforts.” 

Please consider joining Lombard by making a gift to BID Needham.