Published: February 17, 2025
CHARLOTTE, Mich. – Hundreds of teddy bears are comforting young patients at UM Health-Sparrow Eaton Hospital thanks to a generous grant from Women Giving Together Eaton County and the vision of the Charlotte Hospital Auxiliary.
Through a thoughtful initiative, 250 plush teddy bears have been donated to the hospital to help ease the fears of the children. The effort was made possible when the Charlotte Hospital Auxiliary presented their bear project to Women Giving Together Eaton County, a philanthropic group dedicated to supporting local nonprofits.
The auxiliary’s presentation won the top spot at a recent quarterly meeting, securing $2,000 to purchase the bears. These cuddly companions are now ready to serve as a source of reassurance to children navigating a challenging time.
The auxiliary’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. By partnering with Women Giving Together Eaton County, they leveraged a creative funding platform that aligns with a mission of community service and compassion.
Women Giving Together Eaton County operates with a simple yet impactful model: local nonprofits opt in for consideration, three are randomly selected to present their projects, and members vote on the proposal they find most inspiring. The winning nonprofit receives donations from the collective group, while the others remain eligible for future funding opportunities.
“Our goal is to support local organizations in ways that resonate deeply with our community,” said Barbara Fulton, a representative of Women Giving Together Eaton County. “We’re proud to support projects like this one, which reflect the power of compassion and connection.”
The bear program is a heartfelt addition to UM Health-Sparrow Eaton’s efforts to provide patient-centered care, so every child feels supported during their hospital visit.
“The generosity of the Charlotte Hospital Auxiliary and Women Giving Together Eaton County will make a meaningful difference for our youngest patients,” said Tiffany Friar, chief nursing officer at UM Health-Sparrow Eaton Hospital. “These bears are a wonderful reminder of the kindness and care that defines the Charlotte community.”
With these new furry friends in hand, UM Health-Sparrow Eaton Hospital is taking another step in advancing its mission to support the health and well-being of every patient in Eaton County.
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University of Michigan Health-Sparrow is Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization and includes hospitals in Lansing, Carson City, Charlotte, Ionia and St. Johns, as well as UM Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital, Care Network, the Michigan Athletic Club, and AL!VE. UM Health-Sparrow is part of University of Michigan Health. Through the dedication of our 10,000 team members, UM Health-Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and patient experience. For more information, visit UofMHealthSparrow.org.