Supporting the work of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System may be more like building relationships than filling a financial need.
“I don’t like the word fundraiser. It’s more about relationship-building. Fundraising sounds like something that’s quick and easy,” says Erik Whaley, who is president of the health system’s philanthropic arm, the Bon Secours St. Francis Health System Foundation.
“We exist to lift up this local ministry in Greenville, to enhance the services within the walls of our hospital and facilities and out into the community,” he says. “Bon Secours St. Francis Health System Foundation is a bridge between the hospital and the community.”
The foundation has raised money for the St. Francis Cancer Center, the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health, and the Mack Pazdan Neonatal Care Unit. Philanthropy has also supported many other initiatives and programs at the Bon Secours hospitals – St. Francis Downtown and St. Francis Eastside – and local medical centers.