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Friends of Emerson Health

Formerly known as the Auxiliary of Emerson Health, our organization is honored to have celebrated 100 years of advancing and enhancing the patient experience at Emerson Health.

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From raising awareness about our services to planning educational and fundraising events, the Friends positively impact our health system and community.

Join the Friends

Our Work

Upcoming Fundraising Events

Sponsored by the Friends of Emerson Health

Friends of Funding by the Numbers

  • $65,000 raised for the Transforming Health campaign.
  • $37,000 raised for our birthing center.
  • $37,000 raised for pediatric care.
  • $31,000 raised for staff education and retention.
  • $31,000 raised for behavioral health support.
  • $44,000 raised for other projects.

  • $245,000 total funds raised between September 2021 and June 2024.

Save the Date!

Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature

  • November 2025 – January 1, 2026
  • Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord
  • Stop by the Concord Museum and glimpse the beautifully designed Friends of tree during their annual event. For more information on the event, visit the Concord Museum’s website.

Tree of Lights –  Illuminating Hope and Heroes Remembering Those We Love

  • For the past 37 years, the Friends have lit the tree outside of Emerson Hospital. Donate by purchasing a Star or Light in memory or honor of someone special.
  • Donations for Stars and Lights will be accepted through December 31, 2025. Visit EmersonHealth.org/TreeofLights for more information.

EmerSong, an a cappella Festival Supporting Behavioral & Mental Health Services 

  • Saturday, March 7, showtimes: 3:30 and 7:00 PM
  • 51 Walden Performing Arts Center, Concord, MA
  • Tickets are $35 and available starting in mid-January
  • Interested in becoming a Friend of EmerSong or a business sponsor, contact the Friend’s Liaison at acaggiano@emersonhosp.org

Teddy Bear Stuffing Party

  • A Saturday in April from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Haartz Corporation, 87 Hayward Road, Acton, MA
  • Given to our pediatric patients, handcrafted teddy bears have been a signature of the Friends for years. Join us for a morning of stuffing and sewing these precious bears for Emerson’s smallest patients.
  • Registration is required. More details to come.

 

Friends of Emerson Health Leadership

The 2025/2026 Friends of Emerson Health Board

Officers

President: Julie Viola

President-elect: Holly Bernene

Secretary: Irene Todd

Treasurer: Diane Taubner-Randall

Past President: Liza Carey

Board Members

Leslie Bergman

Elizabeth Berk

Jojo Boynton

Denise Haartz

Lori Hick

Jeanne Jarosz

Betty Ann Killian

Karen McCarthy

Karen H. McGinn

Alison Millerick

Kristen Rivard

Heather Swartwood

Ex-Officio Members

Karl Kussin — VP of Development & Chief Philanthropy Officer, Emerson Health

Christine Schuster, RN, MBA — CEO & President, Emerson Health

Director of Friends Engagement 

Amy Caggiano — Emerson Health

Contact Us

Contact the Friends of Emerson Health at 978-287-3019 

Follow the Friends of Emerson Health on Facebook and Instagram for updates, photos, and member news @emersonfriends 

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Volunteer with the Friends

Volunteering with the Friends of Emerson Health is fulfilling and creates a sense of community and connection, allowing individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The Friends’ mission is to enhance the patient experience and by getting involved you’re supporting those in need and helping to keep our community healthy.

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