Established in 1976 to encourage philanthropic involvement, the hospital's Foundation plays a major role in providing the necessary funds for facility upgrades, including new services and state-of-the-art medical equipment — greatly enhancing our healthcare services for area residents.

Volunteerism, fundraising, special events, major gifts and planned giving are all vital functions of the medical center's Foundation office.

StarFinders

This group, formed in 1983, is comprised of philanthropic community members who contribute major gifts to the hospital. StarFinders has been instrumental in funding major capital projects for the hospital. StarFinders give anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per year annually. Any amount over $1,000 may be designated for a specific department or piece of equipment.

The Women's Advisory Council

Formed in 1987, this group of local women dedicates its efforts to sponsoring community fundraising events to support the hospital. In addition, the Women's Advisory Council provides volunteer services and financial support for women's health services. The annual dues for the Women's Advisory Council is $250.

The Auxiliary

Established in 1956, the Auxiliary has played a significant role in South Coast Medical Center's founding and success. Members volunteer thousands of hours a month at the hospital managing the medical center's gift shop, greeting and directing visitors, assisting patients and their families, providing Meals-on-Wheels, telephoning to check on individuals confined to their homes and undertaking other special projects annually. A new student volunteer program offers youth, 14 years and older, opportunities to support the hospital as well.

Dr. Vincent P. Carroll Heritage Society

Formed in 1994, this society — named in honor of longtime Laguna Beach physician and hospital founder, Dr. Vincent P. Carroll — is comprised of individuals who have made provisions in their wills or have established some type of planned gifts benefiting South Coast Medical Center. Heritage Society members are recognized on a donor wall located in a prominent area of the hospital.

Other Giving Opportunities

There are many ways to give. While gifts of cash are most popular, other ways include gifts of:

• appreciated real estate or stock
• life insurance
• tangible property
• memorial/honor gifts
• wills and bequests.

• charitable gift annuities
• charitable remainder annuity trusts/unitrusts
• pooled income funds

If you're new to the area — or even if you've been a longtime resident — the Foundation is always looking for new faces who want to help our community hospital. Financial contributions from the community help South Coast Medical Center fund facility upgrades, including new services and state-of-the-art medical equipment.

For further details on making a donation or joining one of the volunteer support groups, please call the Foundation Office at (949) 499-7229. Or make an online donation now (your donation will be processed using Just Give).