For Immediate Release

Contact:

Bobby Maldonado

248-858-6662

Bobby.Maldonado@stjoeshealth.org

October 17, 2019

LIVONIA, Mich. (Oct. 17, 2019) – St. Mary Mercy Livonia hosted its 27th Annual Anniversary Gala, Embracing our Heritage, at the Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center in Livonia on Friday, October 11 where it raised more than $250,000 to benefit the Felician Sisters of North America’s Mission in Haiti. More than 500 people attended this year's event, including best-selling author and journalist Mitch Albom, Felician Sisters Marilyn Minter and Mary Inga Borko, and 2019 Gala committee co-chairs John and Lina Del Signore.

"This year our hospital and our medical staff came together and, with the backing of generous individuals and local businesses, we were able to raise a significant amount of money to support the Haitian people," said David Spivey, president and CEO of St. Mary Mercy Livonia and vice president of community health and well-being for Trinity Health-Michigan Region. "I am proud to be part of an organization and a community that helps spread hope in a world so greatly in need of it."

This year's event celebrated the 60 year anniversary of St. Mary Mercy Livonia, founded by the Felician Sisters in 1959. Support for the Gala reflects a heritage of mercy that has benefitted the Livonia community and will go a long way in helping others in need.

Six years ago, the Felician Sisters responded to the needs of the people in Haiti, who had been devastated by the earthquake of

2010. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and the loss of life and property was catastrophic. Two sisters,

Sister Marilyn Minter and Sister Mary Inga Borko departed for Haiti in September 2012 to begin the Felician Ministry of Presence. They spent the first months learning the language, making important connections, and searching for the diocese in most need of their ministry. From its humble beginnings, the Haiti Mission has grown exponentially over six years.

The Gala, which included dance performances and live music from Intrigue, was made possible by donations from many sponsors. The hospital is grateful to everyone who supported the event, especially its lead donors, Platinum Sponsor DTE Energy Foundation and Gold Sponsors Huron Valley Radiology and Charles and Carol Cassie.

Donations to support the Felician Sisters of North America’s Mission in Haiti are still being accepted. Individuals or businesses interested in making a gift can call 734-712-4040.

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About St. Mary Mercy Livonia

St. Mary Mercy Livonia is a 304-bed hospital providing acute-care medical and health services to our community by board-certified doctors and registered nurses.

We provide the highest quality services with leading-edge technology in our 24-hour Emergency Center, Senior ER, Heart & Vascular Center, Cancer Center, Birthing Center, Women’s Center, Center for Joint Replacement, Inpatient and Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Units, Sleep Center, Wound Care Center, and Michigan Bariatric Institute. We also offer same-day diagnostic testing and a variety of community health education services.

About Saint Joseph Mercy Health System

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) is a health care organization serving seven counties in southeast Michigan including Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson, and Lenawee. It includes 537-bed St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, 443-bed St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, 304-bed St. Mary Mercy Livonia, 136-bed St. Joseph Mercy Livingston in Howell, and 133-bed St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. Combined, the five hospitals are licensed for 1,553 beds, have five outpatient health centers, six urgent care facilities, more than 25 specialty centers; employ more than 13,400 individuals and have a medical staff of nearly 2,700 physicians. SJMHS has annual operating revenues of about $1.9 billion and returns about $120 million to its communities annually through charity care and community benefit programs.