Coronavirus Crisis Challenge Crowdfunding Project Raises More than $1.2 Million in 10 Days
In the best of times, the extended community of Stony Brook University friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and neighbors generously rallies to support the University’s academic and healthcare mission.
Now, during an unprecedented healthcare crisis, the Stony Brook community is responding in an unprecedented way. From the healthcare heroes on the front lines to neighbors dropping off care packages for patients, to our academic units pursuing innovative solutions. And, of course, to the many generous and loyal friends who are making contributions to help alleviate the pandemic.
Assistant Dean for Clinical Integration Joshua Miller, MD, MPH instructs medical staff on the procedures to take in screening drive up patients at the COVID-19 Drive Thru Testing Facility.
On March 20, the Coronavirus Crisis Challenge to underwrite critical supplies and treatments was launched with $250,000 in matching funds from the Della Pietra Family.
The community answered the call, so the Della Pietra’s increased the Challenge to $500,000. Again, hundreds helped meet the match — in just 24 hours — inspiring the Clarkson and Heintzelman Family to increase the Challenge’s matching funds to its current $750,000 goal.
“It’s remarkable to see how many people this Challenge has inspired, not only from the geographic area the Hospital serves but from around the world,” said Interim University President Michael Bernstein, PhD.
To date, nearly 1,500 friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and businesses — near and far — have donated through the crowdfunding website, and the project has also inspired major gifts to help the Hospital battle the outbreak.
“This outpouring of community support, has provided immediate funds to help protect patients and healthcare heroes at our hospital,” said Senior Vice President of Health Sciences and Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, Kenneth Kaushansky, MD, MACP.
Dollars raised through the Coronavirus Crisis Challenge have enabled Stony Brook to order more gloves, gowns, and N95 masks for Hospital healthcare workers on the front lines of the outbreak, as well as a generator that sanitizes the masks so they can be reused.
“The Coronavirus Crisis Challenge is having an immediate impact on many lives, and we are so grateful,” said Dr. Kaushansky. “I hope everyone will continue to give to the Challenge and help us tackle this virus that is turning our world upside down.”
Please help Stony Brook University Hospital order critical COVID-19 supplies and treatments to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the spread of the virus. Double your impact with matching funds from the Coronavirus Crisis Challenge now.