If you ask most people, they will tell you that philanthropy is the province of big corporations and big foundations. The truth is that about eighty-five percent of philanthropic gifts in the United States are made by individuals -- people who want to say thanks for a kind or a meaningful service, families who want to make a difference in their community and people whose altruism is a source of great satisfaction. It is people, expressing their concern for their communities, their neighborhoods and their families, that drive and nurture philanthropy.

It is often said that philanthropy has three parts: gifts, service and association.

• Gifts are the cornerstone of the charitable work that saves lives and changes lives.
  
• Service -- giving our time and energy to the causes we care about -- is an opportunity to help those around us while we make new friends with people who share our concerns and aspirations.
  
• Association is participating in the organizational efforts that make philanthropy an effective and meaningful part of our culture.

The Santa Cruz Region of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation offers you the opportunity to experience each of the three parts of philanthropy. Our charitable giving programs provide a spectrum of satisfying ways to have a very direct and helpful impact on our work. Our Volunteer Program is a way you can help us deliver the very best health care services possible while you give back to our community and your friends and neighbors. Your gift support is vital:

• If our future as an excellent source of health care for our entire community is to be achieved.
  
• If our important medical research efforts are to continue to grow.
  
• If our health-related education programs are to serve more people and provide important information for people to use to achieve and maintain good health.

Because philanthropy is a core element of our activities as a charitable, not-for-profit organization, and is crucial for the success of our community services, it is a primary responsibility of the Office of the President. We invite you to see the many ways you can be involved in this aspect of the Foundation's work.

For more information please contact:
Office of Philanthropy
831-458-5810
scphilanthropy@sutterhealth.org

Last reviewed: April 2008

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