Strategic partnerships are a vital part of an academic health center like UF Health, especially when it comes to identifying and securing private philanthropy. Understanding the needs and desires of our donors — along with finding the best way to connect them with the work of UF Health — is the mission of the Office of Development.

Charitable contributions to UF Health Jacksonville and the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville have helped fuel research, provide resident and fellow support, and create or enhance patient care facilities — and that’s just the beginning. Our partnership with all of you makes a critical difference in our ability to raise funds for institutional priorities.

An emerging program within our office is our physician engagement curriculum. Also known as “The Power of Patient Gratitude,” these seminars help us understand how to work effectively with patients who are grateful for the expert care they have received. These patients wish to thank us in some special way, usually through a donation to the physician or department where they received care.

“The Power of Patient Gratitude” offers several learning modules, depending on your familiarity with fundraising, and is delivered when and where it is most convenient for you. If you haven’t participated in any of “The Power of Patient Gratitude” modules yet, please let our office know and we’ll schedule a session with you at your convenience.

Speaking of partnerships, the Office of Development includes another important collaborator, Children’s Miracle Network. UF Health Jacksonville’s affiliation with CMN leads to the facilitation of gifts for a wide variety of pediatric care initiatives. Formerly a separate office, we are delighted CMN is now part of the Development team.

In addition to strategic partnerships, the Office of Development actively seeks major gift support for UF Health Jacksonville priorities, such as named spaces in the hospitals and clinics, and endowments that support research or faculty in a specific specialty or patient care initiatives. We work with alumni, foundations, corporations and private individuals to procure these resources. We would love to learn more about your work, especially if you believe it could be of interest to a specific group or person.

A recent example of a significant gift was the contribution from The Players Championship, which awarded our campus $50,000 for echocardiographic equipment for the Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research. Such technology and training allow our providers to continuously hone their skills and provide safe, high-quality patient care.

We appreciate this opportunity to introduce ourselves and the work of our office. Never hesitate to contact us with any questions surrounding private philanthropy for UF Health Jacksonville and UF COMJ.

The Development team

Karen Babcock, M.B.A., is director of development for UF Health Jacksonville and the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. She is responsible for cultivating new relationships, soliciting major gifts and continuing to advance strategic priorities through philanthropy. Her role also includes directing the operations of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Jacksonville. Contact Babcock by email at karen.babcock@jax.ufl.edu, by office phone at 244.1015 or by mobile phone at 566.1661.

Kasey Heilman is assistant director of development and events, overseeing annual giving and events for UF Health Jacksonville and the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. A UF graduate with a specialization in events and hospitality management, Heilman enjoys managing event logistics, developing relationships with donors and volunteers and ensuring guests have the best possible experience in order to develop a warm association with UF Health. Her responsibilities include managing the annual A Night for Heroes gala, the signature black-tie charity event benefiting UF Health TraumaOne. Contact Heilman at kasey.metzler@jax.ufl.edu or 244.1061.

Emily Williamson is director of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Jacksonville. In 2010, she joined CMN as the financial development coordinator. Prior to that, she worked with United Way of Northeast Florida, leading its Affinity Groups program. A longtime supporter of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Williamson volunteered with Dance Marathon while attending UF. Her favorite event is the Festival of Lights 5K. Contact her at emily.williamson@jax.ufl.edu or 244.9354.