Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine are deeply committed to putting people first. This philosophy guides the work of their foundation—The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation—which focuses on increasing equitable access to services and resources, from education to health care. It was also a driving factor in their remarkable $3 million gift to BID Needham’s Transforming Health Care Here Campaign.
For the Lavines, this contribution represents an investment in both the countless community members who rely on BID Needham and the dedicated providers who carry out the hospital’s mission each day. “We want to make sure that anyone—whatever their needs—can come to the hospital and feel taken care of,” says Jeremy Cramer, Philanthropic Advisor to the foundation. “We also want to ensure that the people who work at the hospital feel cared for and see a future here.”
In response to BID Needham’s rapid growth and evolving community needs, the Lavines’ have generously increased their support, directing funds to three critical areas—workforce advancement, the Emergency Department (ED), and orthopedic research. Their commitment spans the hospital’s key campaign pillars of workforce development, campus enhancements, and access and innovation.
Supporting BID Needham’s committed team of caregivers is especially meaningful to the Lavines, who previously established the Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine Workforce Advancement and Engagement Fund to provide resources for professional development. Their latest gift will expand educational opportunities for BID Needham employees, helping to nurture internal talent and recruit skilled, diverse applicants. “It is vital to invest in future leaders,” says Jeannie. “We are proud to support the dedicated individuals who work at BID Needham because they are ultimately the ones who make the hospital so special.”
The Lavines’ gift also addresses the critical priorities of campus enhancements and access and innovation. The newly established Lavine Family Endowed Emergency Fund gives the ED team vital resources to respond to increased demand by supporting capital needs such as technology and equipment, as well as education, training, and programming needs. Furthermore, their contribution is fueling innovation in the field of orthopedics, advancing research led by Arun J. Ramappa, MD, and Ara Nazarian, PhD, that promises to improve prevention and treatment of knee and shoulder injuries.
In addition to supporting BID Needham’s patients and staff, the Lavines are committed to empowering the community members who contribute to the hospital’s mission, encouraging their leadership and engagement. Cramer is a Board of Trustees member, Philanthropy Committee Chair, and Campaign Chair at BID Needham. John Wright, who works with Jonathan at Bain Capital, is a member of the Board of Trustees and Campaign Chair. “The Lavines have made it a hallmark of their values to invest in the those around them, and it means a lot that they are so supportive of our involvement with the hospital,” says Wright. Adds Cramer, “John and I are fortunate to be among the many, many people who have benefitted from the Lavines’ generosity of spirit and their genuine care for others.”
Ultimately, the Lavines are confident that contributing to the hospital at this pivotal moment will make a lasting difference in the lives of the people BID Needham serves. “This campaign offers a unique chance for us to reimagine health care locally and positively impact our community for decades to come,” says Jonathan. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I hope all our friends and neighbors will consider as an important investment in both current and future generations.”
Make a gift to the Transforming Health Care Here Campaign today.