The Jefferson Cary Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation established in 1993. The foundation is named after Dr. Jefferson B. Cary whose charitable bequest funded the original Cary Memorial Hospital, now known as Cary Medical Center.

The primary purpose of the Jefferson Cary Foundation is to establish a permanent fund, commonly called an endowment fund, to generate income to support the expansion of services, purchase new technology, and fund special projects at Cary Medical Center. The trustees of the Jefferson Cary Foundation have set a goal of $250,000.00; once this goal is reached, the income earned can then be used. The true value of the endowment is that it is a permanent and ongoing source of support for the hospital and its programs.

To encourage the growth of the endowment fund, an annual giving appeal was established so that individuals and organizations could make contributions to the Foundation. The success of the program has exceeded expectations and we have been most fortunate to identify donors who have given to the annual fund every year. New donors are contributing to the annual fund every year and donations are welcomed at any time.

In addition to the annual fund, the Jefferson Cary Foundation trustees also manage a memorial fund. This fund was established so that individuals or organizations could make contributions to the Foundation in memory of a deceased loved one or in honor of an individual. Throughout the year, various hospital departments seek special funds for a variety of projects that may be appropriate for support using memorial funds. The memorial fund also features a number of scholarship programs that have been established by families. Each individual fund is managed according to the wishes of the donor family or individual. The memorial fund has been a great benefit to the hospital and is a wonderful tribute. Many of our memorial funds have been in place for more than a decade. It is very moving when a family chooses the Jefferson Cary Foundation as a beneficiary of gifts at a time of a loss. We take this very seriously and we make sure that donations are acknowledged promptly and that the funds are put to the specific use desired by the family.

Every gift to the Jefferson Cary Foundation is tax deductible. The foundation accepts gifts as cash contributions, but also welcomes estate gifts, real estate, trusts, or other real property.

For more information on how to contribute to the Jefferson Cary Foundation, call Mary Harrigan, Executive Director, at 207-493-4849 or at jcf@carymed.org.

Tree of Life Brings Hope to Cary
Through the corporate generosity of Daigle Oil Company, the ‘Tree of Life' adorns a prominent spot in the hospital entrance. The purpose of the ‘Tree of Life' is to provide a permanent record of the philanthropy of those individuals who have contributed to the foundation. Any donation or series of donations exceeding $1,000 is commemorated with an engraved brass leaf on the tree. These donations may be in the form of a memorial contribution, an annual appeal donation, or any monetary gift given to the foundation in excess of $1,000.

The Jefferson Cary Foundation is proud to be able to have a means of publicly acknowledging those individuals who have contributed to the foundation's fundraising success. The support of such individuals allows the foundation through its board of directors to offer financial support and assistance to worthwhile healthcare projects, programs, and equipment while improving the overall quality of life in our community.

Board of Directors
Pamela Scheppele, President
Norman Collins, Treasurer
Mary Ann Chasse
Kris Doody
Ken Hensler
Jim Martin
Craig Small

Staff
Mary Harrigan, Executive Director

Mission
We are a charitable foundation committed to reduce human suffering through health care excellence and dedicated to the physical and mental well-being of all those who are touched by its generosity.

It is our friends, our neighbors, our family members, even ourselves, who will require health care and each of us deserves the best possible care. Your gifts to the Jefferson Cary Foundation provide the necessary resources to make it possible.

Please contact us for more information on how you can utilize your charitable giving to improve the quality of health care in your community.

Jefferson Cary Foundation
163 Van Buren Road
P.O. Box 89
Caribou, ME 04736

Tel: (207)493-4849
Fax: (207)496-2631
E-Mail: jcf@carymed.org