(10/10/11) – On October 6, 2011, the McLeod Health Foundation officially kicked off the One Vision, One Future Campaign for McLeod Health at An Evening of Hope Cancer Benefit held at the Florence Little Theatre. During the event, in a setting which celebrated the lives of cancer patients and their families, Campaign Co-Chairs Beverly Hazelwood and Shirley Meiere shared news about an on-going effort which will provide funding for expansion of the McLeod Cancer Center, the McLeod Hospice House and the McLeod Dillon Emergency Department. Through the early phase of this campaign McLeod Health employees, board members, physicians, patients, families and business partners have made unprecedented and historic gifts to the campaign which total $4.6 million.

The McLeod Foundation’s largest campaign to date was in 2005 when $2.5 million was raised to build the McLeod Hospice House. The magnitude of the One Vision, One Future Campaign will necessitate support from throughout the region.

Jill Bramblett, Executive Director of the McLeod Health Foundation, said, "We are greatly appreciative for the dozens of volunteers who have worked tirelessly this past year to share the need for these projects and raise significant philanthropic dollars for this important project. In this great time of economic uncertainty and healthcare reform, the gifts from the community are more important than ever in assuring that we have the best healthcare in our region and in the future.

"We invite all of the communities we serve to join us in this significant effort. The success of the One Vision, One Future Campaign for McLeod Health will depend upon the generous support of all who believe in the importance of excellent healthcare in our region. All whose lives have been and will be touched by McLeod have a great stake and unparalleled opportunity to join in support of this essential project," added Bramblett.

To learn more about the projects funded and how you can help, please visit www.mcleodfoundation.org and click on the One Vision, One Future logo or call the McLeod Foundation office at (843) 777-2694.