In 1896 a group of civic minded women formed the Women’s Hospital |Association of Ingham County. They opened an 11-bed hospital that eventually grew into the Edward W. SparrowHospital, built in 1912. In the early 20’s a segment of the Lansing community suffered from insufficient care. TheWomen’s Board asked a few ladies if they would form a group that would manage a low-cost clinic to service the families of the poor. In 1924, the Sparrow Hospital Guild was formed under the name, “The Edward W. Sparrow Clinic Guild” to fund
and support the hospital’s newlyestablished clinic. In 1934, the Clinic Guild became the Sparrow Hospital Guild and changed its emphasis to Pediatrics. However, in recent years, it hasbroadened its support to include Trauma, Cancer, Women’s Services and Cardiovascular Services. To date, theGuild has raised over $1.5 million for Sparrow Hospital.
What Does a Guild Member Look Like?
The Guild is a group of community women whose mission is to support Sparrow Hospital through volunteerism and financial commitment. The work of our nonprofit organization helps enhance service to Sparrow patients through many avenues.
How Does Guild Make a Difference?
Funds raised through the Sparrow Guild make a positive impact in the lives of Sparrow’s Patients, Caregivers and their Families in several ways, including:
Guild Mini Grants
The Guild Mini Grant Program supplies funds to support various department needs in both Sparrow Hospital and the Sparrow St. Lawrence campus. Grants of up to $2,500 each are awarded annually and are selected from applications submitted through the Sparrow Foundation.
Annual Signature Fundraiser: TGIF
The Guild’s Incredible Fundraiser is The Guild’s signature fundraising event held in November of each year. Monies raised are added to a pre-determined, long-term funding commitment for a chosen department at Sparrow Hospital. Most recently, TGIF has generated more than $150,000 to help the Sparrow Thoracic Cardiovascular Institute (STCI) acquire a cardiac nuclear camera, ensuring Sparrow’s Patients receive continued state-of-the-art heart care.