Mount Sinai is the hospital that philanthropy built; a hospital built by the community, for the community. This is as true today as it was in 1923 when our building at 100 Yorkville Avenue welcomed its first patients. Mount Sinai’s  incredible journey from Yorkville Avenue to University Avenue, from 32 to 472 beds, from maternity and convalescent hospital to world-class research, academic and health-care institution, could not have been accomplished without the leadership and dedication of our donors.

The strength of our donor community is visible, and not only in the plaques and stars and recognition walls. It is evident in every aspect of Mount Sinai — in the six-storey addition atop our Murray Street tower; in the superb, compassionate care our patients receive; in the groundbreaking discoveries made at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute; in the talent of our medical professionals; and in the academic programs that are training the next generation of health-care providers.

This year, in a period when the economic downturn became an entrenched news headline, we received $42 million in new pledges and gifts, and set a new record in fundraising revenue with $44.4 million. An unprecedented $33.8 million was granted to Mount Sinai Hospital by the Foundation, representing a 3.2 per cent increase over last year. As well, the Foundation welcomed more than 5,500 new donors to our community.

In 2008-09, our Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute received $8.7 million from donors. To read about some of the year’s exciting scientific discoveries, and about the visionary donors who enabled them, please click here.

Our campaigns – Right from the Start: Mount Sinai Hospital’s Campaign for Women’s and Infants’ Health and Research Creates the Best Medicine – attracted strong support. Read more.

Philanthropists have always generated new programs, and this year was no different. Read more about innovative new centres and programs fuelled by philanthropy in 2008/09.

Events raised almost $1.7 million for Mount Sinai this year, through a combination of new events and ones which enjoy a strong tradition. Read more.

This year was also notable for the expansion of our Annual Giving program, with new online initiatives, the launch of the Founders’ Society and Grateful Patients Campaign. Read more.

As we look ahead, we know we are fortunate to have a donor community that realizes that, in good economic times and bad, Mount Sinai continues to serve the community. We are indeed blessed with a sturdy donor network that supports our continual expansion, understanding that this Hospital must evolve to stay at the forefront of medical research and care.

Today, thanks to donors past and present, Mount Sinai is the world-renowned research, academic and health-care institution that philanthropy built.

Each and every day, your Bright Minds and Big Hearts help us deliver The Best Medicine to our patients and their families.