Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Plymouth is now in the final phase of the Growing Stronger Together campaign to renovate and expand its Emergency Department (ED). This project will more than double the capacity of the ED, provide all private treatment rooms, and offer a larger dedicated behavioral health unit. With the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this spring, the excitement for the future of emergency care at BID Plymouth is palpable within the community.
Behind this incredible effort lies the unwavering support of the South Shore community. A shining example of commitment to BID Plymouth is the multi-generational philanthropic legacy, through both advocacy and meaningful financial contributions, created by Charles “Chuck” Hewitt and his family. Starting with his mother, fondly known as Emi, who believed strongly in supporting the community hospital, and his father, Colby, who served as Board Chair at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, philanthropy was instilled as a value within the family.
Chuck, who currently acts as the Philanthropy Committee Chair at BID Plymouth, continues his family’s legacy, tirelessly advocating for philanthropy in support of the hospital and for the community’s role in ensuring access to quality care, close to home. “It goes beyond simply using my own resources to support the hospital,” says Chuck. “My own philanthropic philosophy leads me to go out into the community and help other people understand the importance of what is going on at the hospital and how they can help.” His leadership continues to benefit and inspire those around him, including his own daughter, Josie Marston, and her husband, Jon. “My parents have been instrumental in teaching me and my brother the importance of giving back,” says Josie. “They’ve done so from a very early age, providing us the opportunity to support causes that are important to us, like BID Plymouth.”
The ED is just that—a cause that is important to the Hewitt and Marston families, as well as the community at large. With so many individuals and families from the surrounding area pitching in, this campaign has demonstrated how essential the hospital is for so many in the area. “The ED is many people’s first point of contact with their local health care institution,” says Jon. “We believe that having excellent care within our community strengthens the community itself.” Adds Josie: “People entering the ED are often dealing with issues of an acute nature and there isn’t time to go into Boston to get the care they need. It really reinforces the importance of getting behind this valuable resource in our community, and we invite others to join us.” The Hewitt and Marston families are shining examples of the impact that multi-generational support can have within a community.
Continued support is key to realizing the ED expansion project, which will allow BID Plymouth to grow stronger together, hand-in-hand with the South Shore community. The campaign and groundbreaking mark a powerful affirmation of the hospital’s commitment to meeting the needs of patients and families. At the same time, they reflect a deep investment in the incredible nurses, physicians, and staff—equipping them with state-of-the-art technology and more efficient workspaces to support their skill and dedication. This transformative effort advances BID Plymouth’s mission of delivering high-quality health care, close to home. Philanthropy continues to play a vital role in making this vision a reality.
For more information on the Growing Stronger Together effort or to make a gift, please contact Jennifer Rice, Vice President of Philanthropy at BID Plymouth.