On April 11, Baptist senior leadership presented the United Way and its president and CEO, Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, MD, with a check for $178,942, marking a new chapter in giving. Thanks to the immense generosity of many Baptist team members, the 2016 donation was more than double the amount of any single past donation from Baptist.
Under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, United Way made a significant change in giving structure, which may have encouraged the increase in giving. Previously, Baptist team members who gave to non-profits not approved as United Way organizations forfeited 20 percent of their donation to an administration fee. Now, 100 percent of donations go to the donor’s chosen organization.
During the United Way annual luncheon held on April 12 at The Peabody Hotel, Dr. Robinson noted that combined area donations from leading health care organizations increased 25 percent, totaling approximately $800,000.