Foundation History

The EAMC Foundation was established in 1987 to secure philanthropic support for East Alabama Medical Center and the patients it serves. Judy H. Jackson was the founding director and led the Foundation for its first 20 years, retiring in 2007. During that time, Judy led multiple fundraising efforts which are highlighted below. The success of the Foundation today can be traced back to Judy’s tireless efforts in starting the program.

1987-1998

The first project funded through the EAMC Foundation in 1987 was a room where new mothers could return to the hospital to feed their hospitalized infants. EAMC Foundation donations also helped make possible the Buck Rice Memorial Chapel construction, the Pediatric Unit renovation in 1988, and the Cancer Center building in 1992.

1999-2010

The EAMC Foundation’s focus in the early 2000s was the construction of Bethany House, the state's first freestanding inpatient hospice facility, the opening of the Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic (which provides medical care for underserved individuals within the community) in 2001, and in 2010, the establishment of the Goodson Oncology Wellness Program and Garden for the Cancer Center, and a new CALEO Neonate baby warmer for the Nursery.

2011-2019

The EAMC Foundation has secured substantial philanthropic support in the last decade. These generous gifts provided funding for many projects from AutoPulse machines for the Emergency Department, NOELLE and Newborn HAL Simulators, a van to transport long-term psychological unit patients, RehabWorks outdoor children’s Thera-scape, to the Prenatal Clinic’s infant car seat program. The multi-annual event, Wine, Women, and Shoes benefitted the breast health fund’s purchase of a 3D Mammography machine.

In 2018, Foundation donors committed nearly $5,000,000 to build the Spencer Cancer Center. In 2019 more than $650,000 was given to the Foundation for reconstruction after the March 3 Beauregard tornado. The COVID-19 pandemic brought over $200,000 in community support for meals for the COVID-19 front-line medical personnel.

2020-Present

In 2020, the EAMC Foundation began a three-year campaign to open a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Through room namings and three Christmas Balls, over $1,100,000 was raised to benefit the NICU unit and the families served.

Employee Giving

East Alabama Health employees support our patients through our patient assistance program HERO – Healthcare Employee Reaching Out and fellow employees through our Cornerstone program. Qualifying employees can receive assistance with rent, utilities, transportation, and daycare financial hardships. Employees can also apply for a $5000 home down payment and Christmas gifts for their children.

Annual Events and Fundraisers

April - Women for Women

October - Think Pink, a cancer survivor celebration; Swing for Diabetes, golf tournament for diabetic education and testing supplies

December - The Christmas Ball, an evening benefiting a specific EAH service area