tMore than 46,000 people have contributed to the University of Michigan Health System’s Victors for Michigan campaign, which aims to raise $1 billion to support medical research, patient care, and medical education. The system recently launched a new website, medicineneedsvictors.org, to further reach its goal.
t“We are hopeful of gaining support from new and established donors — with gifts ranging from a few dollars to millions,” says Dr. Ora Pescovitz, executive vice president for medical affairs. “The opportunities to advance health care have never been greater and few institutions are as well-positioned as we are to take the lead.”
tThe website, which details the fundraising efforts, includes both videos and personal stories. So far, gifts have supported thyroid and blood cancer research, a cardiovascular center hybrid operating room, collaborative cardiovascular medical engineering research with Technion University in Israel, and scholarships for the university’s medical school.
t“By investing in research and supporting the people who can push the boundaries of medicine, we will save lives,” says A. Alfred Taubman, UMHS campaign co-chair, whose $56-million gift will establish a medical research institute. “And by expanding U-M’s capabilities as one of the nation’s top translational research institutions, we will help drive a resurgence in the Michigan economy, establishing the region as a global epicenter for the biomedical sector.”
tTaubman founded Taubman Centers Inc. in 1950, and today is located in Bloomfield Hills. It’s the largest owner and operator of luxury malls in the country.
tThe health system’s fundraising campaign represents a significant portion of the $4 billion university-wide Victors for Michigan fundraising campaign that kicked off last November.
tThrough the effort, the health system aims to raise $515 million for medical discovery; $200 million for patient care; $85 million to support education; $100 million to attract and retain talent; and $100 for new and upgraded facilities.
