Why Give?
Why your gift means so much to so many
To fully understand the importance of your support of Baptist Foundation, all you have to do is read about the people and the lives of those who have benefited from your selflessness and generosity. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members, and our Baptist employees. And you can be the positive force that makes a true difference in their lives.
The Gieselmanns
After reeling from unimaginable loss, this incredible family decided to turn their experience into something that other families affected by the loss of one or more children could use to bring understanding, acceptance and comfort back into their lives. In 2017, the Miles 4 Milla’s House event was started to raise funds and awareness for the Baptist Grief Centers. Read their amazing, inspiring, and ultimately uplifting story.
Gina Hollenbeck
Although she never used tobacco products, Gina Hollenbeck fought an advanced form of lung cancer. The Courage Thru Cancer 5K was started in her honor. See what she did to remove the stigma of lung cancer as a smoker’s disease, and help others find the care, support and inspiration they need.
Bob Gordon
During his impressive 36-year career as an administrator and ultimately an executive vice president at Baptist Memorial Health Care, Bob Gordon oversaw many accomplishments and advancements to health care in the Mid-South. However, he believes his most enduring legacy is the establishment of an endowment to fund lung cancer research, a gift inspired by the amazing life of his dear wife, Audrey, and her desire to help others.
Children’s Hospital Celebrates Holidays
The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital hosted the third annual P.D. Parrot Christmas Party for community members, staff, patients and families in early December at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women.
Guests enjoyed photos with Santa, visits with P.D. Parrot, cookies, hot cocoa, games and crafts. Some participants contributed new toys to be given to patients.
Centers for Good Grief Hosts Holiday Memorial Tree Lighting
The Baptist Centers for Good Grief hosted the third annual Holiday Memorial Tree Lighting on Dec. 2 at Dorothy’s Cottage in Collierville, Tennessee. The service included a candle lighting ceremony centered on remembrance and hope and the ceremonial lighting of the Dorothy’s Cottage Christmas tree, adorned with commemorative ornaments with names of loved ones who were remembered.
Baptist and Christ Community Host Holiday Lunch for Unhoused Community
Baptist Memorial Health Care and Christ Community Health Services hosted the annual Tree of Faith, Hope & Love holiday luncheon on Dec. 12 at Memphis First United Methodist Church for Baptist Operation Outreach. The clinic provides free medical services to more than 1,300 people without permanent housing in Shelby County.
Hospice House Celebrates 15 years
Baptist Reynolds Hospice House and Baptist Trinity Home Care and Hospice hosted the 15th annual Celebration of Life service on Dec. 4 to honor loved ones who have passed. Some participants gave memorial gifts to the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation Hospice House Fund which provides more than $250,000 annually in financial assistance to those who do not have the means to afford room and board at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.
Share the Love 5K
The 3rd annual Share the Love 5k and Family Fun Run took place on November 9, 2025. This event is held in memory of Collins Leach and provides an opportunity for kids that attended Camp Good Grief to reunite with other campers and counselors. It is also open to the public. We raised nearly $50,000 this year and look forward to continuing to grow. The day started with the Alston Construction Memorial Walk followed by the 5K and Family Festival.
The Share the Love 5k had several generous sponsors, including:
- Presenting: Alston Construction
- Peace Sponsors: Dignity Memorial Collierville Funeral Home, TAG Truck Center
- Boogie Sponsors: Rosenblum & Reisman, The Porter Group
- Mellow Sponsors: 901 Home Health Care, CertaPro Painters of Germantown, City Construction & Development, Famers Insurance The Adam Neal Agency, Hodges Law Firm, ProHealth Clinic, Rogers & Brackin, Rush Truck Centers, Southern Bancorp, Michelle Wilson State Farm