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From Farmland to Lifeline: Mercy Gilbert Turns 20
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When Mercy Gilbert Medical Center opened its doors 20 years ago, Loop 202 was unfinished and the hospital was surrounded by farmland. Still, the community was growing quickly and needed access to high-quality healthcare close to home.
What began as an 88-bed hospital has grown into one of the East Valley's leading healthcare providers. Since opening, Mercy Gilbert has cared for more than 298,000 admitted patients, welcomed more than 64,000 babies, performed more than 169,000 surgeries, and handled more than 904,000 emergency visits.
But the story of Mercy Gilbert is more than numbers.
For two decades, the hospital has been part of some of life's most important moments: joyful beginnings, unexpected emergencies, difficult diagnoses, and healing during times of uncertainty.
Original hospital president Laurie Harting envisioned Mercy Gilbert as a patient-centered "healing hospital" from the very beginning. Quiet hallways, healing-focused spaces, and an emphasis on compassionate care helped shape a culture that endures today.
That vision was shared by a community that believed Gilbert deserved exceptional healthcare. Too many to name, Mercy Gilbert has long relied on supporters such as the Gila River Indian Community, community-minded companies including Native Air, Kitchell, SRP, Chandler Radiology, and Maricopa Ambulance, and philanthropic families including the Lund, Brimhall, Happle, Marreel, Reed, Presmyk, and Grasilli families, plus hundreds of employees and other individuals.
Together, caregivers, volunteers, donors, and community leaders helped build more than a hospital. Today, Mercy Gilbert employs 1,600 people, along with hundreds of physicians, care providers, and volunteers who continue serving the community every day.
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center's 20th anniversary is a story of people. People whose support, trust, and compassion have shaped the hospital's first twenty years and continue to define its future.
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Meet Our Newest Team Members
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Please join Dignity Health Foundation East Valley in welcoming two new team members dedicated to connecting people to compassionate care!
Katie Jensen joins the Foundation as Director of Philanthropy. Katie brings years of experience in healthcare fundraising at Barrow Neurological Foundation and Valleywise Health Foundation. Throughout her career, Katie has been relationship-oriented, helping people feel seen and supported. Her philosophy on philanthropy is that it is ultimately about people and purpose; one reason why we think she will be a great fit!
Joining her is Dominique Hale, our new Development Officer. Dominique’s background has placed her at the intersection of healthcare and human connection. In her new role at the Foundation, she combines an energetic and approachable style with a passion for connecting donors and caregivers to help create meaningful impact for patients and families throughout the East Valley.
Together, Katie and Dominique bring warmth, energy, and a shared commitment to compassionate care. In the months ahead, they look forward to getting to know the donors, caregivers, and community members who make this mission possible.
Learn More »
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Celebrating the People Behind the Care
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Every day, moments of compassion unfold inside Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers. A reassuring hand before surgery, a nurse comforting a frightened family, a physician delivering life-changing news with empathy and hope. During National Nurses and Hospital Week in May, our community celebrated the extraordinary caregivers, staff, and volunteers who make those moments possible.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, community partners, and local businesses, more than $500,000 in goods and services were donated to help recognize our teams throughout the week. Team members enjoyed special gifts, meals, snacks, self-care items, raffle prizes, tickets to see the Arizona Diamondbacks and heartfelt notes of appreciation that reminded them how valued they truly are.
If a nurse, physician, caregiver, or team member made a difference in your life, we invite you to honor them through the Dignity Health Foundation East Valley. A gift of gratitude helps provide advanced technology, programs, staff resources, and compassionate care for future patients and families. Your generosity is more than a thank you. It is an investment in the people who care for our community every day.
Learn More »
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18 Holes; 24-Year Legacy
The 24th Annual George Rozsa Golf Classic brought the community together once again on April 8 at Whirlwind Golf Club. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and supporters, the tournament raised more than $278,000 to support compassionate care at Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers.
Founded in 2002 by George Rozsa, whose larger-than-life personality and generous heart touched countless lives, the tournament carries forward his extraordinary generosity, vibrant spirit, and commitment to giving back.
The Classic has raised more than $3 million over the years. This year, we give a special thanks to our lead sponsor The Alumus Family of Companies, Santé, Alanté, and Aleca and to our many sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible.
Save the date for April 7, 2027, as we celebrate the 25th Annual George Rozsa Golf Classic and honor a remarkable legacy of community and care.
Learn More »
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Together in Remembrance
Families, friends, and supporters gathered at Tumbleweed Park on May 2 for the 2026 Family Remembrance Run, creating a morning filled with love, remembrance, and community. For participants, this event was a chance to speak a child’s name, celebrate a life, and walk beside others who understand the journey of grief.
Through a 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk, and Kids Dash, the Family Remembrance Run offers a day for participants to honor babies gone too soon while raising funds to support Heaven’s Hummingbirds, Dignity Health’s infant bereavement program.
We are deeply grateful to our presenting sponsor, Lilac OB/GYN, along with the many sponsors, volunteers, and donors whose generosity helps provide support groups, remembrance keepsakes, and compassionate care for grieving families across our community.
Most importantly, we thank the families who entrusted us with their stories and memories. Together, we remember.
Learn More About Family Remembrance Run »
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Plan for peace of mind this Summer
As you plan summer outings and look ahead to the rest of the year, it's also a great time to ensure your personal plans are in order. Taking a moment to create or update your will is a simple yet impactful step that can bring incredible clarity and comfort for you and your loved ones.
Thoughtful planning allows you to care for your family and reflect the values that guide you. Some supporters choose to outline their wishes, others ensure their assets are clearly directed, and many find peace of mind in knowing their intentions are understood and secured.
With our free tool, you can create or update your will in about 20 minutes. You may also choose to include a gift that helps expand access to compassionate, high-quality care and supports healthier communities for years to come.
Take one step toward a more confident future.
Learn More »
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| Upcoming Events |
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It's in the Bag Soiree | Hosted by the Women's Health Council
Join us at Dillard's at Chandler Fashion Center for an unforgettable afternoon of holiday fashion, fine food, and a designer handbag drawing to support women's and children's programs at Dignity Health East Valley.
This signature fundraising soiree is the perfect way to kick off the giving season with style and purpose.
Register Now!
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25th Annual George Rozsa Golf Classic
Join us at Whirlwind Golf Club for the 25th Annual George Rozsa Golf Classic! This tournament supports the greatest needs of our nonprofit medical centers and the patients we serve.
Become a Sponsor!
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