On August 3, St. Francis associates kicked off the hospital’s 12th annual Caring Hospital Employees Envision Real Success—known as CHEERS—associate giving campaign. The theme of this year’s campaign is to Make It a Million, meaning to reach a cumulative total of $1 million dollar since the employee-driven program was launched in 1994. 

Historically, 90 to 95 percent of the hospital’s staff has consistently given to CHEERS year after year. After last year’s campaign, the cumulative total was $941,550. This year’s goal is to add another $93,000 or more to that total, which will push it well beyond the $1 million mark. 

“St. Francis associates love CHEERS,” he says. “They know exactly how their money is used and who administers the funds—their fellow employees. That makes them want to support CHEERS, especially this year. I am confident that we’ll reach the $1 million mark and probably go well beyond it.”

Rodriguez has supported CHEERS since its inception. During that time, funds raised by the program have touched the lives of close to 9,000 people. It has provided medications to St. Francis patients who could not afford them, awarded scholarships to students pursuing health care careers and given aid to many people in crisis situations. 

One hundred percent of CHEERS contributions go directly toward assisting others.