Nearly one-third of Gift of Life’s 394 employees gave back financially to the organization last year, the highest percentage yet for the payroll-deduction program that funds outreach programs in communities statewide and more.
The 126 participants gave a combined $25,717, an increase of 29% over 2023, said Susan Rink, director of advancement at Gift of Life.
“Not only are our employees working to support our life-saving mission, so many of them are giving portions of their paychecks to help us reach more people and register more donors,” she said. “Their contributions to the critical All of Us high school education program alone are profound.”
The money supports:
- The All of Us program, which allows staff to present facts about organ and tissue donation to students statewide. The classroom learning opportunity is considered a hands-on science and health experience that allows students to touch and hold human organs and understand how they work.
- Other outreach programs that dispel myths about organ and tissue donation and educate residents about the crucial Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
- Transplant recipients needing financial assistance. Grants are awarded through a partnership with social workers at Michigan’s eight transplant centers.
“Gift of Life grants for life-saving medication provide significant support for patients who face financial burdens, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery,” said Maria Arredondo-Johnston, a transplant social worker at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “I instantly feel the relief and appreciation from our patients when they’re approved for a grant.”
“Giving back at work allows us to impact our communities.”
— Antoinette James, Donation Support Specialist
“I donate to support the All of Us program, which encourages family conversations about donation.”
— Joseph Bennett, Manager, Donor Operations
“It’s an easy way to connect with our mission a little bit more.”
— Becky Punch, Senior Application and Report Developer
