Sister Caritas Endowed Nurses Education Fund tops $1 Million
IN 2023, WHEN SISTER MARY CARITAS GEARY, SP celebrated her 100th birthday, the Board and Management of Mercy Medical Center where she had served as President / CEO for 16 years, decided to establish in her name the Sister Caritas Endowed Nurses Education (SCENE) Fund. Sister Caritas was a member of the Mercy Nursing School class of 1945 and has advocated for nursing education throughout her career.
The original SCENE fundraising goal of $100,000 generated 200 gifts from individuals, foundations, and admirers of Sister Caritas, including a $25,000 challenge/matching grant from philanthropist Harold Grinspoon and his foundation to launch the effort.
The challenge was quickly met.
When presenting his check, Grinspoon, pictured at the celebration with (from left) his wife, Diane, and Sisters Kathleen Popko and Mary Caritas, issued another challenge to establish a permanent endowment and offered a $100,000 challenge.
Inspired by this positive response, the Mercy and Trinity Health of NE (THONE) fundraising team worked toward the goal of $1 million dollars.
FAST FORWARD THREE YEARS, as Sister Caritas approaches her 103rd birthday in August, Mercy Medical Center held a special appreciation event to announce that the SCENE Fund had secured $1 million in donations!!!
Donors, staff from Mercy Medical Center and THONE, Sisters of Providence and friends gathered at the Delaney House in Holyoke to rejoice in this amazing outcome to assist Mercy colleagues who want to become certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurse, or to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing would be able to apply for funding support.
Overwhelmed by their generosity, Sister Caritas thanked all involved and expressed delight to learn that her desire to extend eligibility, not only to Mercy Medical Center staff, but also to all the entities within the Sisters of Providence Ministry Corporation, would now be a reality.
This broadens her efforts as she engages with, encourages, and now supports young people seeking careers in nursing.
Debbie Bitsoli, President of Trinity Health of NE Medical Group, presents flowers to Sister Mary Caritas in honor of her extraordinary life of dedicated service.