Donating to The Miriam Hospital
Our Extraordinary Founders
 In 1902, a handful of women began collecting coins to raise $1,000 for the down payment on "a place to care for the indigent sick of the Jewish faith."
Since then, extraordinary generosity has been the catalyst for The Miriam Hospital. To fulfill the women's dream, 450 people joined their cause. The women went door to door, raising $80,000 in just four weeks. Thanks to their efforts, the first Miriam Hospital opened in 1926 with 63 beds and 14 bassinets.
Remarkably, the community stepped forward again. Only a year later, another $82,000 was raised to help defray the "burdens of caring for charity patients."
These first fund raising efforts were only the beginning of a partnership between The Miriam Hospital and the community; it is a relationship that has endured for generations. When the need to expand beyond a small, neighborhood hospital became evident, friends who had been raising money for linens and surgical supplies launched a major building fund drive. Although the drive and search for a suitable building were interrupted by the war years, an incredible $1.3 million was eventually raised. The new 150-bed Miriam Hospital opened on Summit Avenue in 1952. It was truly a gift of the Jewish community to all the people of Rhode Island.
Since The Miriam's humble beginnings, generous people have provided the resources for essential equipment and new programs; they have established permanent funds to advance research, education and patient care; and they have strengthened the hospital through endowment gifts.
For more information about giving please call Debbi Gilstein
Jaffe, chief philanthropy officer, at 401-793-2062 or e-mail
djaffe@lifespan.org.
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