Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are frequently asked questions by our donors, volunteers and people who are interested in joining. Please click on each question to find out more information about what we do and how you can play a part.
How to Give
- How can I make a gift?
- Can I make a gift in someone's name?
- Can I make a gift in honor of a caregiver such as a physician or nurse?
- How does the Foundation recognize the gifts from its donors?
- When can I expect my receipt?
- How much of my gift goes directly to the program or equipment I designate?
- May I make monthly, quarterly or annual gifts?
- Who can I speak with for more information about giving?
Who Gives
- Who supports Saddleback Memorial Foundation?
- What is Friend of the Foundation?
- What is the Heritage Society?
- What is the Baby Alumni Club?
Who Benefits
- What is the difference between a not-for-profit and for-profit hospital?
- Why does the hospital solicit donations and where do all my hospital bill payments go?
- What is MemorialCare® Health System?
- How does Saddleback Memorial Medical Center benefit from MemorialCare®?
- Does my gift to Saddleback Memorial Foundation benefit other MemorialCare® hospitals?
How can I make a gift?
There are several Ways to Give to Saddleback Memorial Foundation. Gifts can be made online, by telephone or through the mail with cash, check, credit cards, and appreciated assets such as stocks or individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Charitable gifts can be designated to specific areas of care, special fundraising projects and events or to "Area of Greatest Need."Can I make a gift in someone's name?
Yes, whether it's for a birthday, Mother's Day or in memoriam, Saddleback Memorial offers several ways for you to make a gift in someone's name through tribute giving.
Can I make a gift in honor of a caregiver such as a physician or nurse?
Yes, often times patients and their families are grateful for the care given to them by their physicians, nurses or other medical staff. A thoughtful way to show your gratitude is by making a donation in your caregiver's name through the Guardian Angel program.
How does the Foundation recognize the gifts from its donors?
Without your caring generosity, much of the vital work of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center would not be possible. While words can never fully express our gratitude, we would like to recognize your contribution in these ways:- You will receive a receipt acknowledging your contribution within two working days of receipt of your gift.
- You will receive our donor newsletter, The Pulse.
- You will be recognized as a donor in our annual Report on Giving (if your gift is $250 or more) and on our website. See donors
- You will become a Friend of the Foundation if you give a cumulative amount of $1,000 or more per year.
- You will receive a permanent listing on the Donor Wall of Honor in the main lobbies of our medical centers in Laguna Hills and San Clemente if you give a cumulative lifetime gift of $25,000 or more.
Melissa Centeno
Director of Fund Development
Phone: (949) 452-3106
E-mail: mcenteno@memorialcare.org
When can I expect my receipt?
We will send you your tax receipt within two working days of receipt of your gift. If you encounter any problem with your tax receipt, please contact:Melissa Centeno
Director of Fund Development
Phone: (949) 452-3106
E-mail: mcenteno@memorialcare.org
How much of my gift goes directly to the service area, program or special project I designate?
100 percent of your donation goes directly to your specified designation. Please see Saddleback Memorial Foundation's Impact Report for a report on giving this past calendar year.
May I make monthly, quarterly or annual gifts?
Whatever suits you best. You have the option to give on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. We can work with you in arriving at the flexible giving schedule that is most convenient for you.
Who can I speak with for more information about giving?
We are at your service. For specific information about who to call, please refer to Our Team or sign on Guest Registration form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Who supports Saddleback Memorial Foundation?
Since the beginning, people in the area understood the importance of having a community hospital in their backyard. More than 31,000 individuals, corporations, private foundations and Saddleback Memorial physicians, employees and volunteers have contributed through the years.
What is Friend of the Foundation?
This donor recognition program provides members with special benefits and personal attention by Foundation staff at facilities within Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. Members are also invited to an annual members-only recognition luncheon. Donors who have made a yearly cumulative contribution of $1,000 or more to the Foundation, have given a cumulative donation valued at $25,000 or more, are Heritage Society members, have volunteered 10 years of service or more or is a board member for Saddleback Memorial qualifies as a Friend of the Foundation.To become a Friend of the Foundation, please call:
Melissa Centeno
Director of Fund Development
Phone: (949) 452-3106
E-mail: mcenteno@memorialcare.org
What is the Heritage Society?
Heritage Society members support Saddleback Memorial through estate bequests, charitable trusts and annuities, and other deferred gifts. Members are listed on the Heritage Society donor wall and are invited to an annual recognition event held in the fall. In addition, members receive invitations to other Saddleback Memorial special events.To become a member of the Heritage Society, please call:
Amy Cosper
Development Officer
Phone: (949) 452-3962
E-mail: acosper@memorialcare.org
What is the Baby Alumni Club?
The Baby Alumni Club is a fundraising support group for parents whose babies were born in The Women's Hospital at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (SMMC). Baby Alumni Club membership dues and special events proceeds support women's and children's healthcare, increase public awareness of the excellent services available at SMMC and bring together families and friends of children born at SMMC.To join the Baby Alumni Club, please call:
Melissa Centeno
Director of Fund Development
Phone: (949) 452-3106
E-mail: mcenteno@memorialcare.org
What is the difference between a not-for-profit and for-profit hospital?
Unlike for-profit hospitals that answer to investors, our not-for-profit medical center re-invests extra revenue back into Saddleback Memorial to provide better patient care for the community we serve. We invest in technologically advanced equipment, program services as well as educational programs to the community.
Why does the hospital solicit donations and where do all my hospital bill payments go?
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center cares for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The actual payments the hospital receives from Medicare and private insurance cover only a portion of the amounts billed and do not cover all costs. Private donations allow us to invest in new life-saving technology and programs that enhance the patient experience.
What is MemorialCare® Health System?
As part of MemorialCare Health System, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) provides extraordinary care, every time. MemorialCare® is our own unique brand of health care provided at SMMC in Laguna Hills and San Clemente and at our sister hospitals – Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach and Community Hospital Long Beach.An innovative concept in health care delivery, MemorialCare® is created by physicians and other health care professionals who study the best practices in medicine and work to implement them at our medical centers. The results are outcomes that frequently surpass state and national outcomes for many major diagnostic groups. For you and your family, it means a superior choice of health care services.
How does Saddleback Memorial Medical Center benefit from MemorialCare®?
Patients at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center benefit from the expertise of physicians and other healthcare professionals throughout the system. Together, they have studied and determined the best way to treat patients. As a result, MemorialCare® Health System has earned widespread recognition for extraordinary quality and progressive leadership. Our Accolades
Does my gift to Saddleback Memorial Foundation benefit other MemorialCare® hospitals?
No. Your gift to Saddleback Memorial Foundation can only benefit Saddleback Memorial Medical Center (SMMC). You also have a choice in designating your gift to either SMMC Laguna Hills or San Clemente.
