Photography courtesy Luminis Health AAMC Foundation
Harnessing the power of philanthropy in the community for more than 40 years
When Edwin Seidewitz, a local florist and former mayor of Annapolis, donated a farmhouse in 1902 to be repurposed as a medical facility to serve the city’s growing population, he dramatically changed the landscape of healthcare in Annapolis. Located at the corner of Franklin and Cathedral Streets, the city’s first hospital, Annapolis Emergency Hospital—now known as Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC)—officially opened on July 18, 1902.
Before this act of philanthropy, Annapolis residents had to travel to hospitals in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. for medical care. Today, more than 120 years later, LHAAMC, a nonprofit regional health system, continues to fulfill its mission “to enhance the health of the people and communities [it] serves,” and has emerged as one of the most highly awarded healthcare systems in the state.
Annapolis Emergency Hospital changed its name to Anne Arundel General Hospital in 1949 and then to Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) in 1988 to reflect inclusion of the entire county and its wide range of medical specialties. In 2019, AAMC and Doctors Community Medical Center (DCMC) joined forces, and the two distinct medical centers now serve their communities under Luminis Health, an integrated health system.
In addition to skilled doctors, nurses, and staff members, philanthropic support plays a critical role in solidifying LHAAMC’s national reputation of excellence. Incorporated in 1983, the LHAAMC Foundation raises vital funds by partnering with the community. Every single dollar donated enables LHAAMC to continue to provide high-quality, patient-centric care close to home.
“Heartfelt contributions of all sizes truly make a difference—whether these gifts support programs, equipment, facilities, or caregiver education,” says Elizabeth Gross, vice president, LHAAMC Foundation. “In fact, many aspects of the care that LHAAMC provides every day to the community simply cannot be done without gifts from donors at all levels.”
A Culture of Giving
Photography courtesy Luminis Health AAMC Foundation
With the community’s support, the LHAAMC Foundation continues to make an impact. Donors have helped fund patient programs, advocated for healthcare needs, provided support for events, including its two signature events, Fish For A Cure and Denim & Diamonds, and donated their “time, talent, and treasure.”
The following is a snapshot of a few milestones that the LHAAMC Foundation has achieved, which underscores its dedication to addressing critical healthcare challenges.
In 2007, community members launched Fish For A Cure (F4AC), a fishing tournament and fundraising competition that benefits cancer patients and their families. F4AC has raised more than $6.5 million during the past 18 years to support the Cancer Survivorship Program at LHAAMC’s Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $1.1 million.
In 2011, the “Care Like No Other Campaign” raised more than $44 million to expand campus facilities, advance state-of-the-art medical technology, and recruit physicians and medical personnel. More than 5,100 community members contributed.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LHAAMC Foundation established the Community Response Fund in 2020 to address the changing needs of the health system. More than 700 members of the community raised nearly $1.3 million to purchase personal protective equipment and fund urgent needs for frontline staff.
Since its inception in 1983, the LHAAMC Foundation has raised $275 million—a milestone it describes as “awe-inspiring”—and it continues to rank nationally as an Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) High Performer every year.
“Ongoing support of the LHAAMC Foundation from our community allows LHAAMC to provide world-class healthcare, establish research opportunities, invest in the latest technological advances, expand our services across Maryland, train the next generation of clinical leaders, and so much more,” says Scott McRoy, chair, LHAAMC Foundation Board of Directors.
Shining a Light on Mental Health
After a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LHAAMC Foundation will reunite with community partners, sponsors, donors, and friends to host the Denim & Diamonds Bash, LHAAMC’s largest fundraiser. The event supports the expansion of pediatric mental health services in the community.
The Bash will take place on April 26 from 6–11 p.m. on LHAAMC’s south campus, which is adjacent to the Annapolis Exchange building on Jennifer Road in Annapolis. The celebration will feature delicious cuisine, musical entertainment, and dancing under the stars. The theme for the event is “come as you like.”
Since 2015, Denim & Diamonds has established itself as one of the largest fundraisers in Anne Arundel County, welcoming nearly 1,200 guests. To purchase tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit aamcdenimanddiamonds.org.
“Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center was founded through an act of philanthropy, and our community has partnered with us every step of the way, enabling us to grow into the premier, nationally ranked hospital that we are today,” Gross says. “We are grateful for the trust placed in us by this generous community, and we never take that for granted.”
To learn more about the LHAAMC Foundation, visit luminishealth.org/en/lhaamc-giving.
Special thanks to Molly Fleenor, Communications and Stewardship Officer, LHAAMC Foundation.
