Caring for the Community
As residents of beautiful Cape Cod, Charlie and Miriam Nelson feel fortunate to live in an area where they can spend their leisure time enjoying the great outdoors, whether walking the wonderful beaches, boating, or playing tennis. So as a gift to the community they love so much, the Nelsons have been providing financial support to Falmouth Hospital.
“We’ve reached the stage in our lives where we have the resources to help worthy organizations, and we felt it was time for us to give back to our community—particularly through the hospital,” Charlie says. “Falmouth Hospital is a valuable asset to the community, and it needs to stay technologically competitive and be able to attract top-notch doctors and staff in order to continue providing Cape Cod residents with first-class health care.”
The Nelsons make regular contributions to the hospital both personally and through their company, Nelco Products, Inc. While their donations are typically made to the hospital’s general fund, on occasion, the Nelson’s financial support will be directed to a specific cause.
“Last year, we sent our donation to the Capital Campaign,” Miriam says. “However, we’ve been so impressed with the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation that we have confidence that they will be able to advise us where the money is needed the most.”
Lending a Helping Hand
The Nelsons, who have two grown daughters and four grandchildren, contribute more than dollars to Falmouth Hospital. For the last three years, Miriam has been volunteering for the Foundation, working on the Summertime Gala committee.
“The gala is an exciting social occasion and an event where local residents become more aware of the importance of their individual contributions to Falmouth Hospital,” Miriam says. “Thanks to the hard work of the dedicated committee members, the gala has turned into the hospital’s largest fundraiser. Last year, we were able to raise over $95,000 in just a single evening.”
This year’s gala is set for Saturday, July 30, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the historic Bourne Farm in West Falmouth.
Making It Personal
Charlie knew his donation was going to a great place when he entered Falmouth Hospital in November 2004 for arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Even though it was an outpatient procedure, Charlie was a little nervous.
“From the time I walked into the hospital, everyone from the administrative staff to the nurses and my surgeon was extremely friendly and put me at ease,” Charlie remembers.
“As I left the hospital, I remember thanking the nurse for making the entire day a pleasant experience. We’re lucky here on the Cape to have health care of this caliber.”
Whether you’re part of a company, group, or simply an individual, you can make a difference by donating to Falmouth Hospital, Cape Cod Hospital, or the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod. Call the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation at (508) 862-5600 for more information.