NEOMED Fundraising Campaign Brings in $44M

ROOTSTOWN, Ohio – After three years of work, Northeast Ohio Medical University passed the goal for its largest fundraising campaign ever, bringing in more than $40 million.

A celebration was held over the weekend to celebrate and announce the final total for the Shine On campaign: $44,014,352.

“A philanthropic culture has been built at NEOMED over the past six years, a foundation for building a sustainable future for the University,” said President Dr. Jay A. Gershen in a release. “Thanks to our wonderful donors and supporters ― trustee, foundation, and alumni association boards; students, faculty, alumni and staff; businesses, foundations, hospitals and other universities; community members and civic and public entities ― NEOMED’s world-class education, research and service will remain as great as ever.”

The gala, held in the NEW Center, served as the final boost to the campaign, as two receptions, a dinner, a live auction and an after-dinner party were held Saturday. Dinner was prepared by chef Xavier Smith, who recently won the 10th annual Vegan Iron Chef competition and Akron, while the live auction raised $61,800 as things like rides in the Goodyear blimp and a vacation in Cabo were sold.

Shine On was split into three categories: $20 million for students – including scholarships to support students from low-income areas – $15 million for research facilities and $5 million for community health programs.

Among the large donations was $5 million from the Magnet Clark Morgan Foundation, $4 million from FirstEnergy Corp., $1 million from Medical Mutual of Ohio.

“For a community to raise such a huge sum is phenomenal, but to do it for a medical university of our size is unreal,” said NEOMED vice president for advancement and NEOMED Foundation President Daniel Blain. “We have so many people who care and see the impact of our students, innovation and research and community health. They understand the important role we play in our region and beyond.”

Leading the Shine On campaign were Judith Barnes Lancaster, Dr. Thomas Boniface, Joe Kanfer and J. David Heller.

Pictured: NEOMED Foundation President Daniel Blaine celebrates the completion of the university’s Shine On campaign, which raised more than $44 million.

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