The Hope for Remarkable Team Aubergine Fund — One year later

Home / The Hope for Remarkable Team Aubergine Fund — One year later

This time last year so much remained unknown. We didn’t know we were in for a year like no other. And we didn’t know the extent to which each one of us would be impacted by COVID-19. But we did know we would need help.

In March of 2020, we established the Hope for Remarkable Team Aubergine Fund (formerly the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund) to provide assistance for our team members.

The fund also helped us get personal protective equipment and other critical supplies into the hands of healthcare workers across our network, as well as medical equipment such as ventilators, telemedicine devices and tablets to help patients stay connected to their loved ones. When underserved communities needed additional screening centers, funds also supported and helped accelerate this initiative.

The impact of that work has been powerful and far-reaching, particularly in how it’s been able to help those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19.

• More than 11,000 team members — roughly one-third of the Novant Health workforce — have submitted requests for assistance.
• 24,300 requests have been carefully reviewed and processed.
• Novant Health dedicated $11.3 million to the cause so far.
• Donors across our healthcare system have given $3 million to help.

Here is a look at how contributions were put to use in 2020.

“When we hear from the team members who have been able to receive assistance and how this fund has changed their lives, those stories are what resonate with me most,” said Jeff Creagh, senior director of foundation operations. “Our committee has this opportunity and responsibility of reading every single request for support. In doing that, you see the great need our team members are facing, and you know you’re also investing in people who live this battle against COVID-19 daily and who sacrifice daily to provide the best care.”

The gift of food

Gifts of food from our community have been one of the few simple pleasures we’ve been able to count on since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the profound and continued generosity of our community. Although it may seem like a small donation to contribute a pizza, or a box of cookies or a few catered meals from a local restaurant, it makes a tremendous impact on our team members. The gift of food provides nourishment and nutrition. It alleviates the stress of planning or paying for meals, and it reminds our team members, especially those on the front lines, that this community stands behind them in the brave work they do every single day.

Thank you for every bite you’ve contributed this past year. Our entire team is better for it.