As Roseville continues to grow toward the outskirts of South Placer County, so too has the commitment of its benchmark-setting community hospital – Sutter Roseville Medical Center – to provide acute quality medical care to all residents.

Instrumental to fulfilling this obligation is the Sutter Roseville Medical Center Foundation, which, since its inception in 1984, has sourced and funneled millions in charitable monies to its namesake hospital; and, in turn, to the community.

“We create what we refer to as the margin of excellence,” says the Foundation’s Executive Director Patricia Marquez, “by supporting a variety of large-scale projects that help Sutter improve and provide the highest level of patient care.” These endeavors include funding crucial equipment needs, various programs and services, structural improvements, and building projects.

A volunteer board of directors governs the Foundation, which is currently working hard to raise the financial support necessary to help complete a 15-bed expansion of Sutter Rehabilitation Institute, which helps patients with severe degenerative neurological and orthopedic injuries attain functional independence. This type of project, explains Marquez, “allows us to continue to do what we do – and that’s raising the bar for philanthropy in this community while helping people connect with what is important to them.”

Enter quality health care. As a community hospital, Sutter Roseville Medical Center is uniquely positioned to provide what so many other medical centers cannot: equitable care for all. Sutter’s emergency room facility, for example, does not deny care to those unable to pay – including under - or non-insured residents. The Foundation plays a key role in making this possible by supplying charitable monies from its coffers to help cover costs.

Critical expansions of Sutter Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Trauma Services, the addition of a new Endoscopy Surgery Suite,  the purchase of new cardiology monitoring equipment, and the development of lactation and hospice programs are all concrete expressions of Sutter’s giving arm, which, thanks to diligent and creative fundraising, continues to extend far beyond its reach.

Because the cost of these and other efforts may seem pie-in-the-sky,  it begs the question to who is doing all the giving? The answer may surprise you. The Foundation does not just accept private contributions and instead relies heavily on the benevolence of the community. Gifts range from cash, securities, insurance policies, and real estate to goods, services, event sponsorships, and auction items. Individuals with deep pockets to those with meager to middle-class means have found their own  unique ways to give back and support Sutter.

The Foundation hosts a diverse slate of annual fundraising events to involve those with a desire to give back. Kicking off the holiday season this December is the annual “Light Up Life” Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Held on the front lawn of the Sutter Roseville Medical Center, this tribute honors those who have lost their lives and benefits patients currently in residence at Sutter Hospice Roseville.

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To learn about volunteer opportunities at Sutter Roseville Medical Center Foundation, visit sutterroseville.org/philanthropy or call the Sutter Roseville Auxiliary at 916-781-1588.