5,365,293. Why does this number have significance at LLUH? Since 2011, LLUH employees have donated over $5 million to the organization. One way they are encouraged to give back is through Grow Together. The Grow Together program, implemented by Alumni and Donor Relations, seeks to connect employees with giving opportunities across campus.
Grow Together emphasizes drawing on the collective strength of employees, recognizing that if every employee gives even a small amount, the accumulated total is significant. “There is power in numbers,” notes Taylor Khoe-Mupas, manager of annual giving. “When we look at the growing number of employees, it’s easy to imagine what a difference we can make if every employee participated.”
Alumni and Donor Relations is a relatively new addition to Advancement, but serves to add significant value to philanthropic efforts at LLUH. Part of Loma Linda University Shared Services (LLUSS), the department is responsible for securing annual gifts, promoting two-way communication between donors and the organization and coordinating communication between alumni directors of all the schools.
“Our alumni and donors deserve to be informed as to how their commitment makes a difference at LLUH,” says Khoe-Mupas. “Employees who contribute also deserve this recognition,” she adds.
Employees may wonder why it’s important to give back to LLUH in addition to their dedicated daily service. As summarized by Advancement, “Grow Together allows every member of the LLUH family to help support our mission, patients and students through personal financial contributions.” Employees have the opportunity to choose where their gifts will be allocated, and may choose a one-time gift or give continually through payroll deductions.
Alumni and Donor Relations invites employees to give, no matter the amount. Since the program’s beginning in 2011, loyal participation has provided assistance to a variety of areas across LLUH.
“The Family Fund is the most popular fund of choice employees contribute to,” reports Khoe-Mupas. “Because of their continuous support, we are able to provide financial assistance to employees in need through this fund.”
Alumni and Donor Relations also coordinates the annual phonathon, which raised more than $111,000 in 2013 from alumni and is implementing a coordinated giving program for donors. Recently, the department also facilitated 12 regional meetings with alumni at locations around the country, and developed a first-time donor program acknowledging gifts from new donors.
To learn more about Grow Together contact Taylor Khoe-Mupas at (909) 558-5358 or e-mail growtogether@llu.edu. To learn more about the Alumni and Donor Relations department, contact Janya Mekelburg at ext. 55355 or e-mail jmekelburg@llu.edu.