Knapp Family COVID-19 Health Crisis Challenge Raises Over $1,000,000 in Three Weeks for Long Island Community Hospital
Funds Meet Immediate Needs Bringing PPE and Supplies to help the community hospital Keep Healthcare Professionals Safe in Their Fight Against COVID-19.
Long Island Community Hospital has raised over $1,000,000 for the Knapp Family COVID-19 Health Crisis Challenge three weeks after announcing the campaign. A $500,000 matching grant made possible by the generosity of the Knapp-Swezey Foundation, Island Outreach Foundation and Gardener Foundation launched the campaign on April 8th to help secure vital funding for the community hospital to aid in fight against COVID-19.
“The outpouring of gratitude and generosity in response to our immediate needs related to COVID-19 over these past few weeks is truly immeasurable,” said Richard T. Margulis, President and Chief Executive Officer at LI Community Hospital. “We launched this campaign knowing there was an urgency for the additional funding and the Knapp family, our Board of Directors, committee members and our community heeded the call. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Within three weeks, over 500 people have donated to the Knapp Challenge. Each donation was matched, dollar for dollar, by the Knapp family to purchase vital personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, equipment and other items necessary to care for our patients and keep healthcare professionals safe during this pandemic. These purchases include masks, gowns, eyewear and other protective gear that are in both short supply and high demand.
“We are so proud to be members of this community where our friends and neighbors give generously and graciously in the midst of uncertainty and fear. This virus has affected us all. It’s also brought out the best in many of us as we come forward to say, ‘how else can we help?’” says Michele Knapp, Board Member at LI Community Hospital and Chair of the Knapp Family COVID-19 Health Crisis Challenge. “This is our way to be a part of the solution in this unprecedented time.”
“The Knapp family’s challenge grant enabled Long Island Community Hospital to mobilize support for urgent needs in an expedited time frame. Raising these vital funds quickly is a testament to the generosity of our community. We thank the Knapp’s and our community for coming forward to support our healthcare heroes,” said Rachel E. Schnabl, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at LI Community Hospital. “Although we’ve completed the match, the road to recovery will be long and we will continue to need donations and the community’s support to assist us in our response to COVID-19.”
With the number of COVID-19 cases in Suffolk County rising above 35,000, LI Community Hospital continues the fight to meet the needs of critically ill patients while protecting front-line healthcare professionals.
“While the worst may be behind us, we still have challenges ahead as COVID-19 patients continue to arrive at our hospital each day,” said Mr. Margulis. “Going forward, we will continue to need the support of our community as we feel the mid and long term impact of this virus on our healthcare system.”
LI Community Hospital continues to encourage and gratefully accept donations for the fight against COVID-19. To make a donation, please visit www.licommunityhospital.org and click on “Giving To Our Hospital” or call 631.654.7708.
