Welcome to the 2009 Pathology Charity Website

Each year Department of Pathology faculty and staff sponsor a number of fundraising events to benefit University of Michigan patients and their families who have a financial need. With the guidance of the UMHS Department of Social Work, we endeavor to help the neediest of UM's patients. Last year, we raised $32,000 and sponsored 32 patient families, giving each $1000 during the holiday season.

Great ideas are planned for this year, including several new fundraisers, and we hope you'll join us in making them all successful!

We welcome the participation of everyone. Pathology faculty, staff, friends, family, and other UM employees and friends, as well as generous friends and family from all over the country are encouraged to participate. We are grateful for everyone's input.

If you have questions about this site, or to place charity fundraising announcements on the web, please contact Robin Kunkel. If you have other ideas for fundraising, please let us know.

The line-up of charity fundraising events scheduled for 2009 so far includes:

1."Hotdog Lunch " - the brain child of Michelle Herrst and Karen Schairer this fun event raised over $200 while serving great lunches.

2. "Pathology Parking Lot Sale " - organized by Rebecca Roberts and Cindy Howard this recycle fest was held at Traverwood on June 6th to benefit our patients. Thanks to all who participated. (Raised $531.25.)

3. June 15-22 - "Birdhouse Auction " - (Raised $3093.50) The auction of fantastically decorated birdhouses (spearheaded and organized by Liz Walker in Pathology Photography) allowed people to bid on some amazing ornithological residences. The houses were purchased and decorated by Pathology staff, family and friends. The highest bid (ala an EBay-type online auction) won the birdhouse, with prizes going to the artists of the 3 top money raisers. There were some terrific donations (thanks to all who decorated the birdhouses). People could bid on the web and see the birdhouses in person. They were displayed in the hospital cafeteria June 15 (11:15-2:15) and June 16 (2:15-4:30). This terrific fundraiser was alot of fun and will definitely make a return appearance.
1st place: Sea Turtle by Pat Cardiff (husband of Holly Eliot) - $106
2nd place: Stained glass mosiac by Lori Gosselin (sister of Cindy Straub) - $75
3rd place: A "Moose" for Jessica by Pat Cardiff - $74

4. July 28 - "Salad Lunch " - Organized by Lisa Brown, will feature a healthy salad lunch and desserts to benefit our appetites and our charity. More details to come. "Lettuce Lunch Like Lapins....Rabbit Run for Radishes and Radicchio....Salad Spectacular." Pathology staff in each building are asked to bring in either specialty salads, or fixings for a salad bar. Patrons can fill a bowl with a great lunch for $5.

5. Summer - "Path 2010 Calendars " - Liz Walker and Mark Deming will be putting together a classic Pathology images calendar. We'll take presale orders for what is sure to be a collector's item. If you have an exceptional Pathology photo, see Liz or Mark (763-6656, MSI 3233) about it's possible inclusion in the calendar.

5. August 10 - "Pet Photo Contest " - For all you pet lovers, Liz Wawrzaszek has got a great idea featuring your favorite furry (or feathery, scaley, or finny) pal. Vote for our Charity Mascot! Enter pictures of your pet(s) in one of three categories (dog, cat, other) for a nominal fee. Patrons will vote for their favorite animal with their bucks. There will be great prizes (PetCo gift card, MP3 players, etc.) for the top vote getting pets. The Number 1 "TOP DOG...or CAT...or BIRD, etc.", will win a photo portrait, as well as getting the honor of being the Department of Pathology's Charity Mascot for the year. His/her photo will be displayed on our website, representing our charity's "friend in deed" attitude. More details to come. All animals welcome....need not be from Pathology!

6. September 13 - "Golf Outing" - Our Annual Pathology Golf Outing will take place at Pine View Golf Course at 5820 Stoney Creek, Ypsilanti. Play on LIttle Pine for $40 or the Champion course for $55 (both include 9 holes and a cart). Lunch is included, and will follow at the 19th Hole Grille. (Lunch is $10 for non-golfers). PRIZES: Closest to the pin, Lowest score, Highest score, Longest drive, Longest putt. Chase the little white ball, have some fun, and help our patients. PLEASE REGISTER BY SENDING NAMES AND MONEY TO:
Beverly Smith or Rebecca Roberts, M5221, MSI 5602, 734-764-3279.

7. September - "Pathology Hoodies Sale" This terrific idea allows anyone to own their very own fleece hoodie featuring the UM Pathology brand. Order in September, receive in October. Information regarding prices and sizes to follow.

8. September- "Theme Boards " Oraganized by Beverl Smith, Jeannette Jeffreys, Michelle Herrst, and Karen Schairer, this will replace the basket raffle. We'll keep you posted on the details.

9. October - "Bake Off" - Bring in your best wares.....whole pies, cakes, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, etc......whatever is your specialty. (If you elect to bring a pie or cake, please bring 2 - one for the judges' tasting, one to sell). There will be a panel of judges who will taste test each item, and winners will received the coveted recognition as Pathology Baker(s) of the Year. The remainder of the baked goods will be for sale to benefit our patients.

10. October -November - "Quilt Raffle" One of the best quilt shows around (and an excellent fundraiser) is right here in our own department. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING A QUILT (or ask a quilting friend to help us with a donation). Each year HANDMADE quilts in all sizes, shapes and colors made by staff, faculty, friends, relatives, patients, friends of friends are donated to our raffle. We welcome donations from all. This year the quilts should be in to Robin Kunkel, (BSRB 4710, 763-4850, rkunkel@umich.edu) by OCT. 19 . The quilts will be shown and tickets sold in multiple locations. WATCH FOR DISPLAY LOCATIONS....this display will brighten your day, and the proceeds will help many families in need.

11. October - "Pumpkin Carving " This should be a treat, if not a little tricky. Organized by Beverly Smith and Cindy Howard, the rules with be forthcoming.

12. November . "Harvest Soup Sale " To celebrate our bountiful Thanksgiving time, and also to take the chill off before the big UM-OSU game, we will again have a "HOMEMADE SOUP SALE ." We are asking our Pathology staff to bring in a crock pot of soup...to show off their favorite recipe, and we will sell a bowl or several soup "tastes" with bread for a very reasonable luncheon price. Details to come, but think about what delicious soup you could bring. Our soup kitchen really helps the neediest pateints here at UMHS.

13. November 24. "Bake and Craft Sale " A perennial favorite, always held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we'll hold the bake/craft sale in MSI and UMHS. Chaired by Cindy Howard and Rebecca Roberts, we are asking staff to please be geneous and bring in lots of goodies. Many people buy their Thanksgiving desserts (think whole pies and cakes, and banana, orange, cranberry breads), and of course, everyone loves the mid-afternoon cookie, brownie, fudge snacks. Buckeyes anyone? We also love the crafts, and it is a great time to buy a few holiday gifts. Details on delivery locations to come.

Other ideas we are considering:
Designated Restaurant Donation (a different restaurant each month of the year).

The very successful ART AUCTION will make a comeback in the early winter/spring of 2010.

The monies raised from ALL the above activities go directly to our neediest UMHS patient families. The Department of Social Work identifies families being treated here at the UMHS who are in significant financial need. We try hard to raise as many funds as we can to help those in need, while reaping the collateral benefit of working with very giving colleagues. We THANK ALL who help with any of our fundraisers. We appreciate your efforts very much.

We would also seriously welcome any other ideas for additional fundraising activities. Please contact Beverly Smith (936-0500, smithbev@umich.edu).