News and Events
There’s a lot happening as a result of Baptist Foundation. Stay up to date on all of our activities and the latest news about Baptist Foundation. For a list of upcoming events, click here.
Baptist Foundation News
Miles 4 Milla
The 7th annual Miles 4 Milla event, the signature bike ride benefiting Milla’s House, took place on May 20, 2023. With the dedicated efforts of Frazer and Dana Gieselmann, this event raised over $177,000 for Milla's House, providing vital support to grieving families. The generous contributions received will enable Milla's House to continue providing essential counseling services and care to those navigating the difficult journey of grief. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who donated their time, resources, and enthusiasm to support this worthy cause.
Click here to learn more about the Gieselmann family and the grief center named in Milla’s memory.
Art of Caring
The annual Baptist Art of Caring auction benefits Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief, supporting free grief services for Mid-South children, teens and adults. The 2023 event raised more than $204,000 in cash and in-kind gifts. Several local businesses donated items for the silent auction, with 52 artists represented. Thank you to all who attended and made bids on auction items, in-person and online.
Dorothy's Cottage – A Center for Good Grief Expansion
Dorothy's Cottage is a 4,100 square-foot-addition to Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. Named in honor of Dorothy Lee Wilson, wife of Holiday Inn founder and entrepreneur Kemmons Wilson, Dorothy’s Cottage was dedicated on April 4, 2023 and its first group session was held on April 17, 2003.
"Say Hello to Buddy"
Buddy is the new therapy dog at Baptist Centers for Good Grief. He’s a Bernedoodle, a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, and a very good boy. Buddy graduated from therapy training in March 2023, and loves to provide additional support to children, teens and adults through their grief journeys.
A look back at 2022
Baptist Centers for Good Grief
- 14 children and 14 teens were able to attend Camp Good Grief.
- 5,694 free grief sessions were provided at sites in Collierville and Memphis.
Employee Emergency Assistance
2,023 employees were assisted, totaling $91,417.36.
Metro Patient Assistance
308 patients received financial assistance in the Memphis-Metro area.
Baptist Reynolds Hospice House
1,035 lodging nights were provided to hospice patients/family who could not afford it.
Baptist Cancer Center
307 cancer patients received assistance related to their cancer care/treatment.
Baptist Health Sciences University
264 scholarships were awarded for the 2022 academic year.
Baptist Operation Outreach
1,500 patient visits since the 2019 opening of Baptist Operation Outreach Clinic.
Baptist Heart Institute
20 out-of-town heart transplant and mechanical pump recipients received hotel accommodations to bridge the gap from hospital to home.
Upcoming Events
August 3
Painting with a Twist, benefiting Milla’s House. Enjoy an artistic evening with friends and 50% off your purchase, which will benefit Milla’s House, one of three Baptist Grief Centers. Click here to learn more.
Month of September
Above and Beyond employee giving campaign, benefitting employee-selected causes that have a localized community impact. More information will be to Baptist team members in August.
September 8-10
Kendra Gives Back, benefiting the Baptist Women’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Kendra Scott is a jewelry and accessories brand. By shopping at their Saddle Creek location between September 8-10, 20% of your purchase will benefit the NICU. Click here for store details.
October 2
Cardiac Classic Golf Tournament, benefiting the Baptist Heart Institute. Click here for more information about the golf tournament.
October 14
Share the Love 5k and Family Festival, benefiting Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief. More information will be available between late-summer and early-fall.
October 19 (National Mammogram Day)
Painting with a Twist “Painting for the Girls”, benefiting the Baptist Women’s Health Center. Enjoy an artistic evening with friends and 50% of your October 19th purchase will benefit Baptist Women’s Health Center. Click here to learn more.
October 20-22
Kendra Gives Back, benefiting the Baptist Women’s Health Center. Kendra Scott is a jewelry and accessories brand. By shopping at their Saddle Creek location between October 20-22, 20% of your purchase will benefit Baptist Women’s Health Center. Click here for store details.