BCW Members Mastercard and PepsiCo Join to Pledge $1 Million to Support Frontline Medical Workers at White Plains Hospital

http://thebcw.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/white-plains-hospital-scaled-1.jpg

The impact of COVID-19 can be felt around the world, but few places have experienced the physical, emotional and financial burdens like Westchester County hospitals.

In response to this pandemic, Mastercard and PepsiCo have announced the formation of a local community partnership called Westchester Strong with Healthcare Heroes that will provide immediate help to White Plains Hospital and support its staff as they continue to fight the virus. The program was launched with a $1 million, two-year fund established by the companies.

“The generosity of our BCW members knows no bounds as we continue to fight this deadly virus that has devasted our community, our country and our world,’’ said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “It is only fitting that this funding goes to White Plains Hospital whose administration and frontline healthcare professionals and workers have been providing such excellent care throughout this pandemic.’’

In the initial phase, the program will focus on initiatives to keep patients and staff safe, including funding vital supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as supporting the Hospital’s efforts to meet government requirements to increase its capacity. The efforts will continue well after the initial recovery to further support the Hospital’s frontline staff’s well-being, knowing that this pandemic has taken a toll on their emotional and physical health. “We are humbled to help White Plains Hospital provide vital resources to keep neighbors safe during COVID-19,” said Jon Banner, Executive Vice President, Global Communications and President, PepsiCo Foundation. “As proud members of the Westchester community for more than 50 years, our thousands of local PepsiCo employees are grateful to the Hospital’s staff and management for serving on the frontlines during this pandemic and keeping all of us strong.”

“Our employees take pride in our New York roots and care deeply about our Westchester neighbors,” said Shamina Singh, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and President of the Mastercard Impact Fund. “We thank our hometown hospital and all of its staff for going above and beyond the call of duty. We hope that this new fund provides the relief and support that they need to continue to respond and ultimately recover from this crisis.” Morgan Stanley has also committed to joining Westchester Strong with Healthcare Heroes, with a $100,000 donation to the Hospital.

“We are proud to support White Plains Hospital’s frontline heroes who are battling against COVID-19 and saving lives,” said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley. “This situation requires urgent action to provide relief to areas heavily impacted by the virus, and at Morgan Stanley, we believe it is our responsibility to help protect the most vulnerable and put the full weight of our resources behind a comprehensive COVID-19 response.”

Located in the heart of Westchester County, White Plains Hospital has cared for the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the region. Its staff has shown an unforgettable display of heroism, endurance and compassion in their efforts to protect their community.

Susan Fox, President and CEO of White Plains Hospital said, “This display of philanthropic solidarity from Westchester businesses is incredible. For global companies like PepsiCo, Mastercard and Morgan Stanley to reach out and ask how they can help their local hospital shows how strong this community is and echoes the spirit of the thousands of community members who have supported our staff through efforts both big and small. The outpouring of support has been amazing and we are exceptionally proud to be their Hospital.”

This announcement was made on the eve of Giving Tuesday NOW, a global day of action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that encourages the community to support healthcare heroes through philanthropy.

Westchester County was one of the first areas in the United States to face this health crisis and the employees at White Plains Hospital have been on the front lines since the beginning. Through their extraordinary efforts, they have cared for more than 1,000 COVID-19 patients. For corporations interested in joining Westchester Strong with Healthcare Heroes, please reach out to John Strawbridge at jstrawbridge1@wphospital.org or 914-849-7152.