Just over a year ago, Beebe Medical Foundation brought its COVID-19 Relief Fund online. The purpose of the fund was to help purchase medical equipment and supplies, and offset costs directly associated with patient care during the pandemic. Support of this fund enabled Beebe team members to continue doing whatever was needed to provide safe care for our community. As usual, the community responded to support the hospital in an incredible way.

Kathleen Schell and Justin Healy of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s launched the Crush Corona Challenge – a $25 gift card purchased from a local restaurant that was then donated to Beebe. This initiative intended to provide at least one hot meal to each of Beebe’s 2,900 employees after a long shift while supporting local restaurants. The initiative and the generosity of the community exploded, and more than 4,700 restaurant gift cards were donated. Every Beebe employee received a gift card, and Beebe donated the surplus to police, fire and emergency medical services departments in Sussex County.

Because Beebe Medical Foundation events were not held during 2020, donors redirected tens of thousands of dollars in sponsorships and ticket purchases to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. In addition to these redirects, cash donations allowed for the purchase of rapid COVID-19 testing equipment, personal protective equipment for frontline personnel, and additional respiratory equipment. Beebe tested over 84,000 people in our community by March 4, 2021.

In January 2021, Project Kudos powered by Schell Brothers tapped Beebe as its charity of the month, and the community swarmed to social media, helping to help raise over $96,000 for the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The online donation portal beebehealthcare.org/covid19-relief encourages donors to write a personal message to Beebe doctors and nurses working to provide safe care to our community. Messages continue to be personal and moving, including: “You are in my prayers. God bless you for your service”; “Thank you for your courage, spirit and service. May you and your families stay healthy as you care for others”; and “Thank you for all you do, Beebe Doctors, Nurses and Staff. You are our heroes!”

So while these Celebrate Excellent Care stories typically highlight the excellent care that Beebe provides to the community, today I wanted to reflect on the past year and express sincere gratitude for the excellent care that this entire community has shown to Beebe and all of our Beebe Heros!

As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe Healthcare depends on the generous support of individuals, local businesses, corporations and private foundations.  To make a gift to Beebe’s COVID-19 Relief Fund or participate in the Crush Corona Challenge, go to beebemedicalfoundation.org or call 302-644-2900.