Memorial Medical Center Foundation’s 28th annual employee giving campaign raised nearly $282,000 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 donations support patient care, education, employee and patient assistance and clinical research at Memorial.

A total of 887 employees gave $281,760 during the one-month campaign. More than $4.8 million has been raised through MASH since its inception in 1989.

“Our employees are amazing. They provide great healthcare and related services to our patients and their families. They are truly compassionate and generous,” said Elena Kezelis, executive director of Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

This year, employees designated more than $151,000 to specific departments, units, affiliates and funds, such as cancer patient assistance or SystemCare, which provides financial support to Memorial employees who experience a personal emergency. Approximately $130,000 was left unrestricted for health-related grants awarded by the foundation.

Four of Memorial Health System’s seven affiliates – Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Physician Services, Memorial Home Services and Memorial Behavioral Health – participate in MASH.