Generations of MyMichigan Medical Center Clare Volunteers Continue Legacy of Service and Giving

Community invited to help complete investment in local healthcare

Members of the MyMichigan Medical Center Clare Volunteers.

For generations, the MyMichigan Medical Center Clare Volunteers have dedicated their time, compassion and talents to serving patients, families and the community. Their legacy has been built by hundreds of volunteers who have welcomed visitors, comforted families, supported staff and raised funds to enhance patient care, creating a tradition of service that continues today.

Continuing that tradition, the volunteers recently voted unanimously to contribute an additional $15,000 to the MyMichigan Health Foundation in support of the Clare Renovation & Expansion campaign. Combined with their $35,000 contribution made last year, the Volunteers have now committed a total of $50,000 to help strengthen the future of local healthcare. Their most recent gift also qualifies for the Poet Family and Jay's Sporting Goods Matching Challenge, doubling the impact of their generosity.

The Clare Renovation & Expansion campaign is transforming MyMichigan Medical Center Clare through improvements that enhance patient privacy, expand access to services and strengthen the delivery of care for patients and families across the region. Community support is helping ensure exceptional healthcare remains close to home for generations to come.

Jane Sartor, who has volunteered at MyMichigan Medical Center Clare for more than 49 years and serves on the Clare Renovation & Expansion Campaign Fund Committee, said the decision reflects the values shared by generations of Volunteers.

"I've been fortunate to volunteer for more than 49 years, but this gift represents so much more than one person," Sartor said. "It represents generations of volunteers who have cared deeply about this Medical Center and the people it serves. We've seen firsthand how important local healthcare is to our families, friends and neighbors. Supporting this campaign is our way of helping ensure that exceptional healthcare remains here for future generations."

Volunteer Coordinator Caylyn Pietryga said the volunteers' commitment extends far beyond fundraising.

"Our volunteers are truly the heart of MyMichigan Medical Center Clare," Pietryga said. "They give their time because they care about people. Whether they are greeting visitors, assisting patients and families or supporting special events, they make a difference every day. Their generosity through this campaign reflects the same spirit of service that has defined this volunteer organization for decades."

Over the years, the volunteers have supported MyMichigan Medical Center Clare through service and fundraising, helping fund equipment, programs and projects that enhance patient care and improve the experience of those receiving care close to home. Their commitment reflects a belief that giving back helps ensure friends, family and neighbors continue to have access to high-quality healthcare in their own community.

"The volunteers have always believed in investing in their community," said Becky Church, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. "This remarkable gift reflects decades of service, compassion and generosity. Community philanthropy is essential to advancing healthcare close to home, and the volunteers continue to lead by example. Their investment is more than a contribution to a campaign, it is an investment in every patient and family who depends on MyMichigan Medical Center Clare today and for generations to come."

As a nonprofit health system, MyMichigan Health relies on community philanthropy to help advance projects and initiatives that strengthen patient care. Philanthropic support helps fund facility improvements, advanced technology, specialized equipment and programs that enhance the patient experience while ensuring exceptional healthcare remains available close to home.

The volunteers' leadership demonstrates how community philanthropy transforms generosity into lasting improvements that benefit every patient who receives care at MyMichigan Medical Center Clare. Their legacy of service serves as an inspiration for others to invest in the health and well-being of the community.

Community members who wish to join the volunteers in supporting the Clare Renovation & Expansion campaign are encouraged to give while the Poet Family and Jay's Sporting Goods Matching Challenge is available. Every dollar donated through Oct. 1 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $200,000, helping complete this important investment in local healthcare.

MyMichigan Medical Center Clare offers a variety of volunteer opportunities, ranging from a few hours a week to more regular involvement. Opportunities include the Shamrock Patch Gift Shop, reception services, and patient support roles. Those interested in learning more about volunteering are encouraged to contact Pietryga at caylyn.pietryga@mymichigan.org or by calling (989) 802-5102.

To learn more about the Clare Renovation & Expansion Campaign or make a gift to MyMichigan Medical Center Clare, visit mymichigan.org/givetoclare or contact Becky Church, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, at (989) 839-3342 or becky.church@mymichigan.org.