Note from Kevin
Dear BIDMC Board Member,
This Board eUpdate comes during an enormously difficult time. My heart goes out to all those tragically affected by violence locally, nationally, and globally. Persistent gun violence across the US—including recently in our neighboring state of Maine—and horrific conflicts in Israel and Gaza, as well as Russia and Ukraine, affect us all in myriad ways. I know many of you have close ties to those places, and you remain in my thoughts. During these dark times, I remind myself that we at BIDMC embody humanity, dignity, and peace. This is reflected not only in our history but also in how we care for our patients and their families every single day.
I am pleased to provide an update on our fundraising efforts for Fiscal Year 2023. Our team at BIDMC has raised $75.3 million as of September 30, 2023, exceeding our fundraising goal for the year. The Where Extraordinary Lives Campaign continues to grow, with more than $651 million raised through the end of the fiscal year. I want to share my heartfelt thanks for the vital role you play in our tremendous success.
This month, we hosted our Annual Meeting of the Boards at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, where we celebrated the year’s many accomplishments—including our newly announced partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. On a personal note, what I find most enjoyable about these events is witnessing the interactions between those of you who have developed close working relationships and friendships over the years. It’s a joy to come together in this way. For those who weren’t able to join us, you can find a recap and photos in our Annual Meeting feature.
I am pleased to share a powerful piece written by Carol Fulp, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, in this issue’s Leadership Spotlight feature. In this Boston Globe op-ed, Carol recounts visiting Washington, DC as a child in 1963 and hearing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver among the most renowned speeches in our nation’s history. In the piece, Carol reflects on her experience returning to Washington recently—60 years later—to march for justice and equality. Her words resonate deeply and remind us of all the work left to be done—and the vital importance of our continued diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
We also have an update on Bowdoin Street Health Center, in this issue’s Focus on Diversity feature, which is not to be missed. We are thrilled to celebrate the center’s 50th anniversary of providing vital healthcare, support, and resources to Boston’s Bowdoin-Geneva community and beyond. Philanthropy has enabled us to advance numerous key initiatives at Bowdoin Street, and I would like to thank the many board members who are involved.
We are saddened by the passing of Althea Lank, Leadership Board Member Emerita. Althea was a beloved, longstanding members of our BIDMC community and will be greatly missed. I offer my deepest condolences to their families and friends.
On behalf of the communities we serve, thank you for your leadership. It is such a privilege to work alongside you to ensure BIDMC continues delivering the most advanced, compassionate, and high-quality care to patients and families. Congratulations on yet another successful fiscal year.
Sincerely,
Kevin McAteer
Regional Vice President, Philanthropy
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
