United Way committee member Earl Strong presents campaign donor Judy Walls, of BWH’s Medical Library, with a raffle prize.

This past fall, BWH held its annual campaign for United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, raising a grand total of $206,215.

United Way improves the condition of the communities that BWH serves by focusing on three building blocks of strong, vibrant communities: ensuring that all families have the resources and opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty, preparing children to enter school ready to learn and succeed, and supporting youth to stay in school and realize positive options for their future.

Lisa Morrissey, MBA, BSN, RN, associate chief nurse of Perioperative Nursing and Procedure Areas, Stan Ashley, MD, chief medical officer, and Allen Smith, MD, MS, president of the Brigham and Women’s Physicians Organization, co-chaired the campaign, the theme of which was “BWH and United Way: United We Can.” Throughout the six-week campaign, donors won a host of raffle prizes, including a football signed by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

The co-chairs thanked the United Way committee and ambassadors who donated their time, describing them as a critical part to making the campaign a success.

Listen to what United Way means to BWHers in their own words below:

Bill Churchill, MS, RPh, chief pharmacy officer for Brigham and Women’s Health Care, said through his work in leading multiple United Way campaigns he’s learned how the organization helps people.

Judy Walls, of the BWH Medical Library, feels good knowing that her donations are helping children and families in need.

Stephen Moore, PhD, of Radiology, talks about the importance of donating to organizations that support the local community.

Annemarie Austin, RN, business director of Clinical Operations in the OR, volunteered at the United Way rolling rally raffle cart and ice cream social.

Luis Soto, director of Environmental and Central Transport Services, said it is a great feeling being able to help others.

Sarah Abbett, MD, MPH, clinical consultant with the Brigham and Women’s Physicians Organization, supports United Way because the organization supports local families.

Tao Harris, senior OR administrative assistant, and his colleagues donated funds from a Fitbit contest to the United Way.

Ellen Bergeron, MSN, RN, program director at the Center for Nursing Excellence, supports United Way because many of the programs support the physical, academic and emotional development of individuals of all ages.