Pictured (from left): Chestnut Hill Hospital (CHH) representatives John Scanlon, CMO, Teresa Kelly, CNO, and Cathy Brzozowski with Chestnut Hill Community Fund Drive Committee members Laura Lucas and Susan Bray, M.D.

by Laura Lucas

Chestnut Hill Hospital provided a big boost to the Community Fund last week when it announced a donation of $20,000, increasing community contributions from $67,060 to $87,060 with 549 individuals participating.

The deadline for donations has been extended to Friday, March 21, to get closer to the fund raising goal of $100,000 and participation goal of 600 individuals.

Half of the hospital’s donation will support the Pastorius Park Concerts. The remainder will support many worthy programs and organizations that the Fund Drive supports. These programs benefit Chestnut Hill in one of four areas – human services, cultural enrichment, education and physical beautification.

“We count on this community for the success of our hospital, and we are proud to demonstrate our support with a donation for outreach initiatives that make our entire community a better place,” said Dr. John Cacciamani,hospital CEO. “Our first commitment to the community, however, begins in the hospital with our focus on quality and safety. In addition, we are bringing the best of Philly health care to Chestnut Hill.

“Temple Orthopedics and Sports Medicine has been at the hospital for a year and will have a more permanent location in our medical office building this summer. Penn cardiology and its Heart Rescue program provide care for heart patients. Specialists from Jefferson Neuroscience care for stroke patients. And to top it off, our ER wait times are the best in the region. That’s how we truly show our commitment to the community.”

The Pastorius Park Summer Concert Series has been a staple in the community for 65 years, thanks in part to Chestnut Hill Hospital’s sponsorship during the last eight years.

“It’s a relationship that we value,” Cacciamani said. “When I think of what makes our community special – I think of the summer concerts. Grab dinner to go at one of our local restaurants and head to the park with your family and friends to relax under the stars. Being part of this tradition is another way Chestnut Hill Hospital demonstrates its support for the community.”

Monies raised during the current campaign provide for worthy area groups in 2014. Nearly 30 grant requests were made in this round. The Chestnut Hill Community Association Fund Drive Committee will present its recommendations to the Chestnut Hill Community Association board of directors later this month. Final approval by the Chestnut Hill Community Fund is targeted for April. Grant distribution typically takes place in May.

Please consider a donation to the Fund Drive today so we can reach our goal of $100,000 and 600 donors and continue to support great programs and worthy organizations in our area. Checks can be made out to CHCF and dropped off at or mailed to 8434 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. Donations can also be made online at www.chestnuthill.org.