Employees Give Together to Make Big Impact
Employees Give Together to Make Big Impact
Certain people are drawn to work at Cincinnati Children’s.
Those that join our employee family share two distinctive qualities: compassion and a drive to make a difference.
Every person here plays a critical role for the children we treat, whether they’re fulfilling administrative or clinical tasks, delivering supplies, working in a lab or performing surgery. The families that come through our doors experience world-class service because their care team is larger than they could even dream.
We are a “team of teams.” That principle defines the way we live—and give.
That’s why a group of our colleagues established the Community Impact Fund (CIF), which pools individual donations together to make a bigger difference. The CIF distributes grants to local organizations affecting real change in our community.
“Charitable giving is such a personal decision,” says James McCarthy, MD, director, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics. “But when you find something you truly believe in, it can be such a gratifying experience. This is an opportunity not only to give financially but actually participate and interact with the community.”
James sits as co-chair of the CIF along with Susan Wade-Murphy, RN, assistant vice president of Patient Services.
“When one person steps up, good things happen,” says Susan. “When people band together, the good they can do multiplies.”
This belief was championed by one of our most beloved care providers, Anita Brentley, PhD.
James McCarthy, MD, co-chair, Community Impact Fund (back row, right), with members of the Avondale Caring Network and Community Pantry.
Anita Brentley, PhD, devoted her career to helping at-risk, first-time mothers and fathers through the Every Child Succeeds program.
Improving the Lives of Our Neighbors
Before she passed in 2020, Anita spent over 20 years at Cincinnati Children’s, fiercely dedicated to her patients and her community—especially the one our Burnet Campus calls home.
For decades, she partnered with local volunteers and clergy to build a network of support and resources for families in Avondale. Through group programs and food pantries, she labored to give local kids and families a safe and nurturing space to call home.
Because of her commitment to the families here in our own backyard, the fund was renamed in 2020 to the Anita Brentley Community Impact Fund in her honor.
“She was a light,” says her son, Brian. “She was an educator. She was a motivator. She was an unconditional giver. She was kind to everyone she met. She gave of herself and never expected anything in return. Her impact has just begun.”
Making a Difference for Cincinnati Families
The Anita Brentley Community Impact Fund has done so much already. In just eight years, the fund has raised a total of $206,063 and supported over 43 community organizations. Initiatives that have received grants include:
- "Project Connect," a Cincinnati Public Schools summer program for kids living in poverty who depend on school for meals and medical attention.
- The Hirsch Recreation Center, located in the heart of Avondale, provides after-school care, fitness classes, nutrition programs and summer camps for area kids.
- "Veggies Via Vespa" is run by one of our own nurses, Laura Olexa, who delivers fresh produce to low-income families living in food deserts on a Vespa scooter.
- Carmel Caring Network Pantry provides basic necessities for children and infants, like diapers, formula, wipes and clothing.
- "Never Again," an after-school program for girls who have been involved with violence in the juvenile justice system.
- The Health Champion Healthcare Workforce Pipeline Program connects residents with gainful employment and career-building opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Supporting diverse community organizations means reaching otherwise unmet needs for individuals in our community. Like its namesake, the CIF has changed countless lives. That’s the power of collective giving.
Give Like You Work—Together
If you feel inspired to give bigger, consider joining the CIF. Extend the reach of your generosity and leave behind a legacy of lasting impact.
Employees who donate at least $1,000 can cast a vote on which community groups will receive grants. And there are many ways to give: you can make a one-time donation or monthly pledges—you can even give through payroll deduction.
Giving $1,000 annually also qualifies you for membership in our William K. Schubert, MD, Society, named in tribute to one of our most influential and philanthropic leaders. Members of the society receive special recognition and are invited to the celebration event exclusively for employee givers.
For more information, contact Hannah Gerth today at Hannah.Gerth@cchmc.org.