September Foundation Message

September always feels like a season of connection. It’s a time when summer winds down, routines return and our community comes together around the people and causes that make Santa Clarita such a special place to call home.

At the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, we are reminded every day that philanthropy is about more than the size of a gift. It is about legacy, connection and impact. Whether someone gives $5, volunteers a few hours, attends an event or makes a transformational investment in our hospital, every act of generosity becomes part of something much bigger.

That spirit of caring was especially meaningful this month as we celebrated the ribbon cutting for Henry Mayo’s highly anticipated EmPATH Unit, expanding access to compassionate mental health care in our community. EmPATH (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment and Healing) provides a calming, therapeutic environment for patients experiencing a behavioral health crisis, helping connect them with the right care, at the right place, at the right time. It is another important step in honoring our commitment to care for the whole person and ensuring mental health is an essential part of the care we provide.

We also experienced powerful reminders of the legacy philanthropy can create. We celebrated an extraordinary $5 million gift from Connie Spears, made in memory of her husband, Wayne, to help advance Roberta G. Veloz Cardiovascular Services and name our second cardiac catheterization lab. This remarkable investment will help expand access to lifesaving cardiovascular care right here in our community.

We are also mourning the loss of Don Fleming, a former Foundation Board member and longtime friend and supporter of Henry Mayo. Don truly believed in making our community better. His generosity touched numerous areas of the hospital, and his commitment, alongside his wife, Cheri, will continue to be felt by patients and families for generations. These are the legacies that remind us how one person’s belief in their community can create an impact far beyond their lifetime.

As we look ahead, there are many ways for you to be part of that same spirit of giving. Our staff and Foundation volunteers are busy preparing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supporting the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center. Sponsorships, tables and tickets are now available for our popular Bingo or Bust fundraiser, bringing our community together for an important cause and a lot of fun.

We are also excited to partner with Peterson Printing on another way to show your support. With a donation of $40 or more to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center, you can pick up a special Breast Cancer Awareness Month yard sign from the Foundation office and proudly display it throughout October. It’s a simple way to help spread an important message: Early Detection Saves Lives, while showing your support for breast health services right here in our community.

Our Holiday Home Tour team is also creating something special for this year’s Gala stage: a Community Tree filled with ornaments bearing the names of individuals, families and businesses who support Henry Mayo. Gifts begin at just $5, because meaningful philanthropy comes in every size. Your name, your family’s name or the name of someone you love can become part of a beautiful display representing the community behind our hospital.

The first opportunity to add your name to the Community Tree will be Wednesday, September 30, when the Foundation proudly hosts a Care Tucker Style House Pop-Up Shopping Event from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. at the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Education Center. After Care Tucker Style House lost its store in the devastating Old Town Newhall fire, we wanted to open our doors to a business that has so generously supported our Foundation and community over the years. It is community supporting community and exactly what this season is about.

The gifts may be big or small. The ways we give may look different. But the impact is always felt.

Together, we are building a healthier, stronger and more connected community, one act of generosity at a time.

In gratitude,
Renee Leon
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation