The Children’s Hospital at Erlanger “Believe” campaign now has another half million dollars in its fundraising chest, thanks to a generous donation from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation. 

“This very substantial gift is further evidence of the strong culture of philanthropy which exists in our community, and we are deeply appreciative of the BlueCross Health Foundation on behalf of our pediatric patients,” said Children’s Hospital CEO Don Mueller. “With this latest contribution, we are much closer to reaching our $40 million campaign goal, which has been heavily funded through donations like this from one of the region’s leading organizations." 

As a result of this half million dollar gift from the BlueCross Health Foundation, the Children’s Hospital “Believe” campaign is only a few million dollars away from its $40 million goal.   In less than two years, the “Believe” campaign has raised more than $24.6 million to help fund the new Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center. These community contributions, along with $11.5 million in bond funding, provide the total funds needed for this world class pediatric treatment center.   

According to BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation Executive Director Roy Vaughn, the company recognizes the importance of investing in the new facility. “We believe the health and well-being of our children should always be a top concern for our community. As we address their special needs, we see this as an opportunity to positively impact their future and Chattanooga’s as well.” 

The majority of financial support for the new Children’s Hospital has come from private benefactors, including individuals, organizations and foundations. In total, more than 4,900 donors have contributed to this effort to build the first phase of the new Children’s Hospital, with more than half that coming from Erlanger employees and physicians. Over $5 million has been raised through the generosity of foundations like BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s.  

“We are tremendously grateful for this significant contribution to our campaign,” said “Believe” Campaign Chair Grady Williams.  “We are now a full year ahead of our fundraising schedule, and have every reason to believe more wonderful donors like the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will help push us across the finish line of the transformational effort.”