When the Jefferson Cary Foundation’s major fundraising event, the Cary Classic Benefit Golf Tournament, was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Katahdin Trust Company generously chose to donate their corporate sponsorship funds to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. The $5,000 gift enabled the local financial institution to place a stone on the Foundation’s Tree of Life prominently displayed in the lobby at Cary Medical Center. Presenting the banks gift early in 2020 to JCF Executive Director, Tamra Kilcollins, (left), is Peggy Smith, Vice President, Branch Manager, and Craig Staples, Vice President, Commercial Services Officer with Katahdin Trust. The Foundation’s Endowment Fund is a permanent fund, with the principal remaining permanently intact, and interest only income is used to support the expansion of hospital services and projects, and to purchase new technology at the Caribou hospital. Katahdin Trust Company has been the major tournament sponsor for the past seven years.
2020 was the first year of a new decade and will be remembered as the year the Covid-19 pandemic drastically changed everything for everyone; how we all live, work, and play. But, those memories also remind us of the generosity and caring of our friends and neighbors, the strength and resilience of community, and the support for, and from, local businesses here in Aroostook County.
Katahdin Trust Co. has been the major sponsor for the past seven years for the Jefferson Cary Foundation’s Cary Classic Benefit Golf Tournament. Last year, in what would have been the 37th Annual Cary Classic, the local financial institution once again supported the Foundation’s major fundraising effort with their $5,000 sponsorship. But, like most events we all look forward to in the county, the Cary Classic was cancelled due to the pandemic. Katahdin Trust generously chose to continue their Foundation support by gifting their sponsorship to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund, and placing a new stone on the Tree of Life located in Cary Medical Centers’ lobby.
The Tree of Life provides a permanent record of the philanthropy of individuals and groups who have contributed to the Foundation. Donations or a series of donations exceeding $1,000 are commemorated with engraved leaves on the tree, and donations of $5,000 and $10,000 or more are commemorated with stones under the tree.
“The Jefferson Cary Foundation plays a vital role in our community in providing access to quality medical services right in our own neighborhood,” shared Craig Staples, Vice President, Commercial Services Officer at Katahdin Trust. “We’ve been a lead sponsor for the Cary Classic Golf Tournament since 2014 because we believe so much in what the Jefferson Cary Foundation stands for, and we didn’t feel they should be negatively impacted due to the ongoing pandemic.”
“Even through a pandemic our mission of supporting hospital projects and growing our Endowment Fund hasn’t wavered,” explained Pam Scheppele, chairperson of the Jefferson Cary Foundation Board of Directors. “This generous gift is so very much appreciated and we can’t thank Katahdin Trust, and all of our past tournament sponsors enough for their support.”
“We have seen so many acts of generosity and kindness throughout our communities during the past year,” added Tamra Kilcollins, JCF Executive Director. “This gift will help keep our hospital strong in the face of these unprecedented times. Thank you many times over to Katahdin Trust in supporting the foundation and our hospital. We truly are all in this together.”
The Jefferson Cary Foundation was founded in 1993 and is the nonprofit 501(c) philanthropic fundraising arm of Cary Medical Center. The Foundation’s Endowment Fund is a permanent fund, with the principal remaining intact. Interest only income is used to support the expansion of hospital services and projects, and to purchase new technology at the Caribou hospital.
For more information about the Jefferson Cary Foundation please visit their website page at https://www.carymedicalcenter.org/about-cary/jefferson-cary-foundation/giving/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jeffersoncaryfoundation.
Here are just a few of the many positive things our patients have to say about their the care they received at Cary Medical Center.
The staff in one day surgery is absolutely amazing. I was very thankful for my team of nurses, doctors and right down to the secretary that checked me in. You all were so amazing, friendly and professional. Thank you so much!
I am beyond happy with our visit at Cary! We can't thank you and your amazing staff for keeping our little boy your #1 concern. You did such an amazing job! Thank you Cary Medical Center!
This hospital was exactly what a hospital should be. The took such good care of my grandmother and the display of humanity and compassion was genuine. I am forever grateful.
I had my son at Cary and I couldn’t imagine being treated better anywhere. The staff were attentive, empathetic, and went above and beyond for my comfort. I wouldn’t want to give birth anywhere else.
A big shout-out to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cary Medical Center’s ER, Imaging, Lab, Food Service, and ACU Departments. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful care from each of you.
