Memorial Medical Center Foundation’s 26th annual employee giving campaign raised nearly $250,000 to improve the lives of patients and co-workers throughout Memorial Health System.

MASH (Memorial Annually Supports Health) is the Foundation’s second largest annual fundraiser. MASH dollars support patient care, education and research at Memorial.

A total of 863 employees gave $245,680 during the one-month campaign. More than $4 million has been raised through MASH since its inception in 1989.

“The generosity of Memorial’s employees year after year is remarkable,” said Elena Kezelis, executive director of the Memorial Medical Center Foundation. “Our employees are making a difference through philanthropy and remain committed to our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.”

This year, employees designated more than $103,000 to specific areas, such as cancer patient assistance or SystemCare, which provides financial support to Memorial employees who experience a personal emergency. Approximately $118,000 was left unrestricted for health-related grants awarded by the Foundation.

Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Physician Services, Memorial Home Services and Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois, all Memorial Health System affiliates, participate in MASH.