Thank You Utah!

#UtahCares

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In this time of response to COVID-19, many are reaching out to offer supplies to University of Utah Health. The community response has been overwhelming, as personal protective equipment (PPE) is gathered and donations are made by local businesses.

Donations have ranged from N95 masks, surgical gowns, examination gloves, sterile wipes, face masks, shoe covers, face shields, and respirators. Many restaurants are also making meals and delivering them to our health care workers.

We want to honor our donors and thank them for their support during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Panda Cares Delivers Meals and Donates Disposable Masks

Panda Cares (the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group) delivered 200 meals and donated disposable masks to University Hospital. The meals were enjoyed by various departments throughout the hospital.

Panda Express is supporting heroes on the frontlines by offering a 10% discount to all hospital staff and first responders for the rest of the year. Healthcare workers must present their badge when ordering at a participating store.

Since March, Panda Cares has donated nearly $9 million to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Panda Cares has committed to donate 50,000 meals to the healthcare community and plans to fundraise for its COVID-19 Community Care Fund with a new focus to find a cure for the COVID-19 virus.

Curds and Kindness Food Truck Makes Hot Meals for Healthcare Workers

Dairy West launched its "Curds and Kindness" program this year to help donate excess dairy foods to those in need of foods across Idaho and Utah. To take the program further, they expanded their efforts to thank healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For an entire week, the Curds and Kindness food truck stopped at various University of Utah Health clinics and provided a bagged lunch to healthcare workers. Each bag contained a hot pressed sandwhich, cheese curds, and two recipes to make with the cheese curds.

University of Utah Health is thankful for the kindness and generosity of Dairy West and Utah and Idaho dairy farmers involved in the Curds and Kindness initiative.

Gem City Fine Foods Donates Gourmet Treats

Gem City Fine Foods, a gluten-free bakery in Salt Lake City, donated cases of desserts to healthcare heroes at U of U Health. The treats were enjoyed by staff at Madsen, Redwood, Sugar House, and Westridge health centers.

Gem City Fine Foods is proud to make delicious gourmet desserts that are certified gluten-free and nut-free. They also have several vegan options. The bakery makes and packages all their products in Salt Lake County.

Searle Family Creates Ear Savers with 3D Printing

University of Utah graduates, Spencer and Kassie Searle, formed a team with their four children (Christopher, 11; Alison, 8; Kenneth, 5; and Elizabeth, 3) to create ear savers to help relieve tension for healthcare workers caused from face mask straps.

In April, Spencer began 3D printing PPE gear for local police, firefighters, and medical workers where they live in Shelby Township, Michigan. He soon saw a need to ease the ear pain caused by face masks.

Between schoolwork, Christopher and Alison helped with the 3D printing. Today, using a dozen printers in their home, the Searle family has donated 6,350 ear savers to University of Utah Hospital.

The Good Pencil Company Shifts Production to Make PPE

A Utah company that normally makes high quality pencils shifted production when its factory shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The Good Pencil Company' saw a need for PPE and found a way to contribute by making face shields and ear savers using 3D printers.

Soon enough, requests came flooding and The Good Pencil Company purchased three more 3D printers, running them 10 hours a day. The company produced and shipped over 8,500 medical accessories to U.S. healthcare systems, including University of Utah Health, at no cost.

"We felt we needed to do a small part to help the community," said John-Erik of The Good Pencil Company. "We didn't think it was right that doctors and nurses were under supplied, and while we couldn't make ventilators, we could make the items we did."

The Good Pencil Company donates a pencil for each pencil they sell to needy schools. So far, The Good Pencil Company has donated nearly 18,000 pencils with 75% of those donated here in Utah.

Pizza Nono and Hamby & Jones Realtors Donate Pizza

Hamby & Jones Realtors and Pizza Nono teamed together to deliver pizza that feed 160 U of U Health employees. The pizza was distributed among the Emergency Department, CT Ultrasound, MRI, and Interventional Radiology staff.

"The staff absolutely loved it and it totally made our day," said Melinda, an ER nurse at University Hospital.

Jacobsen Builds & Mountain Aesthete Donates "Thank You" Signage

Jacobsen Builds and Mountain Aesthete collaborated together to say "thank you" by putting signage in big white block letters on the lawn in front of the Moran Eye Center on Foothill and Cappachi Drive.

"Truly, thank YOU for everything your people are doing to help Utahns weather this storm," said Jacobsen Builds on Twitter. "They are courageous and we are grateful to every one of them."

CoreLife Eatery Delivers Meal to U of U Health Centers

CoreLife Eatery delivered a second round of meals to University of Utah Health frontline staff at South Jordan Sugar House, Farmington, and Redwood Health Centers.

"We see the work you're doing, thank you for keeping us safe!" said CoreLife Eatery.

Healthcare professionals and first responders can also receive 50% off every CoreLife Eatery order, every day of the week.

Cancun Cafe Locations Feed Healthcare Workers

Cito Mendez of Cancun Cafe in downtown Salt Lake City wanted to thank healthcare heroes at University of Utah Health for taking care of his wife and newborn daughter, so he quickly made and donated 30 meals to University Hospital staff before prepping for his restaurant's big Cinco de Mayo celebration.

A week later, Cito wanted to do more. He teamed up with two other Cancun Cafe locations in the Salt Lake Valley to make 150 meals. Food was distributed among staff in the department of surgery, urolog, maternal newborn and several more.

Frontline Foods SLC & Boston Deli Donates Meals

Frontline Foods Salt Lake City partnered with Boston Deli to provide 100 meals to the frontline staff at University of Utah Health. The meals were distributed to several University Hospital departments and the Madsen Clinic.

Frontline Foods is raising money to support healthcare workers with healthy meals while helping local restaurants. The non-profit organization has received more than $35,000 donations and delivered more than 1,900 meals in the Salt Lake City area since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jimmy Johns Celebrates Nurses Week

To kick off Nurses Week, Jimmy Johns donated 60 sandwiches to University of Utah Health. The meals were distributed amog staff at University Hospital.

Jimmy Johns say the meals are a "thank you to each and every nurse and health care worker on the front line battling for our heath and well-being."

Taco Time Donates Lunch to Nurses

In honor of Nurses Week, Taco Time dropped off 30 meals at University of Utah Hospital. The bagged lunched were delivered to CT Ultrasound staff in the Department of Radiology.

Taco Time shared this message with University of Utah Health: "Thank you to all of the frontline workers. We appreciate all that you do!"

The Garff Family and Plates & Palates Donates Meals

The Garff Family worked with Plates and Palates to make meals for University of Utah Health care employees. 50 meals were provided to staff at University Hospital.

Gordon Crabtree, CEO of University Hospitals & Clinics, personally greeted both donors and thanked them for their donation.

A Musical Thank You From Utah Symphony

Utah Symphony dedicated their performance of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" to all healthcare workers, essential staff, and first responders who are risking their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Gary Herbert, Rep. Ben McAdams, and Senator Luz Escamilla joined the Utah Symphony by expressing a few works of gratitude.

Youth Hope Society Donates Hundreds of Meals

The Youth Hope Society donated hundreds of meals to University of Utah Health in April. The food was distributed to staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute, University Hospital Environmental Services, the Emergency Department, and Labor & Delivery.

The Youth Hope Society prepared and delivered the food themselves. The non-profit organization says the meals are a thank you to all the hospital staff and to give back to the community who has welcomed them with open arms.

Little Caesars Donates 1,000+ Pizzas

Little Caesars Pizza donated more than 1,000 pizzas to University of Utah Health in the month of April. The pizzas were distributed across multiple departments at University Hospital and at U of U Health community clinics.

"Hospital staff and first responders are working around the clock to help keep us safe and healthy. They are true heroes. As a family company, we want to thank all of them in the best way we know how - by providing them with a wholesome meal," said Dave Scrivano, President & CEO of Little Caesars Pizza.

The pizza chain is donating 1 million pizzas to healthcare workers and first responders across the country. Little Caesars started a #PIEitForward campaign where customers can donate a pizza that is promised to be delivered to healthhcare or first responder hero in the area.

R&R BBQ Feeds Huntsman Cancer Institute

R&R BBQ donated meals that feed the night staff at Huntsman Cancer Institute. "We are constantly amazed by the support that is being shown to HCI and all health care workers right now," said Huntsman Cancer Institute.

R&R BBQ has generously donated more than 300 meals through the month of April. These meals were also distributed to the South Jordan Health Center.

CoreLife Eatery Donates Meals on Mother's Day

CoreLife Eatery donated 55 lunches on Mother's Day to University of Utah Health. The meals were distributed among staff in the Emergency Department. CoreLife says the donations were a "thank you to those working so hard to keep us all healthy."

Healthcare professionals and first responders can also receive 50% off every CoreLife Eatery order, every day of the week.

10,000 Face Masks Gifted to University of Utah Health

The Sichuan Forestry and Grassland Provincial Bureau in China shipped 10,000 face masks as a donation to protect University of Utah Health care providers, patients and visitors. The masks arrived in boxes scribed with messages of solidarity and friendship alongside a panda graphic--Sichuan's provincial icon and a traditional symbol of peace and good luck.

"We are very grateful for this act of generosity and friendship by the Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau," said Ruth V. Watkins, president of the University of Utah. "It underscores the long-term partnership the university and the Sichuan Province have developed to train national park administrators in best practices. It also signals what I hope will be an ongoing collaboration. We want the people in Sichuan Province to know their gift is deeply appreciated."

American Cancer Society Opens Hope Lodge to Health Care Heroes

American Cancer Society (ACS) temporarily closed Hope Lodge to cancer patients due to COVID-19, but the Lodge is back open for health care heroes. Health care workers at University of Utah Health and Huntsman Cancer Institute have been welcomed to use Hope Lodge to rest or stay overnight.

"We are honored to share our home with you while you take care of us," said The American Cancer Society.

World's Finest Chocolate Donates 2,250 Candy Bars

World's Finest Chocolate donated 2,250 choclate bars to University of Utah Health. The company is on a mission to donate ten-million chocolate bars to healthcare, first response, and military heroes.

World's Finest Chocolate is asking customers to help spread the love by purchasing a box of chocolate bars for their families to enjoy at home. For each box purchased, World's Finest Chocolate will donate a box to healthcare, military and frontline heroes.

5,000 N95 Masks and Other PPE Donated by Chinese Utahns' Alliance Against COVID-19

The Chinese Utahns' Alliance Against COVID-19 (CUAA) helped arrange the collection of PPE including 5,000 N95 masks, 5,000 disposal masks, and 200 medical protective suits to be delivered to University of Utah Health. The money to purchase the PPE was raised by local Chinese communities. CUAA's goal is to support one another and work together in the fight against COVID-19.

University of Utah Health thanks the dozens of community businesses and organizations that came together to help our health care workers.

Food and Hand-Written Cards Sent to Emergency Department Staff

Pats Barbeque in Salt Lake City donated meals along with hand-written notes to staff in the University Hospital Emergency Department. "The card and amazing food was just what we needed today," said Melinda, a nurse at U of U Health. "The community has made us feel so supported."

The card that came with the donated meals read:
"To all our first responders...in the trenches...on the front lines...WE APPRECIATE YOU! Thank you for all you do for us! Love your friends at Pats Barbeque."

Chipotle Donates Burritos to Sugar House Health Center

Chipotle donated burritos to University of Utah Health's Sugar House Center in a campaign to thank health care heroes across the nation. U Health employee, David Fullmer, applied for Chipotle's burrito giveaway on behalf of the Sugar House Health Center and was selected.

"I got to hand out 50 burritos, chips, QUAC, and salsa to hard working and well deserving healthcare workers. It doesn't seem like much but it made a lot of stressed and overwhelmed doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel smile," said Fullmer.

Meals and Thousands of Gloves Donated to U of U Farmington Health Center

Siegfried and Jensen invited the police department, fire department, and the Davis County Sheriff to U of U Farmington Health Center to donate tens of thousands of gloves to first responders and University of Utah Health care workers. Two-hundred meals were also donated to U Health staff.

"Siegfried and Jensen is making sure everyone is equipped with a good meal as well as the important medical equipment that they need to do their job. We appreciate everything they are doing for us," said Siegfried and Jensen.

Breakfast and 2,000 Gloves Donated to U of U Health Centers

Siegfried and Jenson partnered with Over the Counter Cafe in Millcreek to feed University of Utah Health care workers. A hundred breakfast burritos and two-thousand pairs of gloves were delivered to the South Jordan and Sugar House Health Centers. The two companies say they made the donations to support COVID-19 first responder teams.

Chedda Burger Donates 250 Meals

Thank you Chedda Burger for feeding our health care heroes at University of Utah Health! ?

cheddaburgerut HUGE thank you to @getweave who made a donation and made it possible for us to deliver 250 burgers and chips to the University of Utah Hospital yesterday!

Elizabeth's Catering Makes Family Meals for Health Care Workers

Elizabeth's Catering started making "take-and-bake" meals when they saw a need in the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In their company initiative to help others, Elizabeth's Catering found a way to support health care workers by matching lasagna orders. 25 take-and-bake lasagnas were donated to Redwood Clinic staff to take home to feed their families. Packsize also donated boxes for all their lasagna meal kits.

"Lets keep supporting those who are risking their lives everyday, so they don't need to worry about dinner for their families after a log shift of seving others," said Elizabeth's Catering.

Santorini's Greek Grill and Siegfried and Jensen Donate Meals

Siegfried and Jensen worked with Santorini's Greek Grill to deliver meals to University of Utah Health's in-car testing sites.

"During this scary time, we know it's important for our community to come together and help each other as much as possible. We want to do our part to support small businesses and frontline responder," said Siegfried and Jensen.

The RSL Foundation Donates 761 Meals to U of U Health Staff

University of Utah Health staff enjoyed a traditional-style turkey dinner generously donated by the Real Salt Lake (RSL) Foundation. U of U Health recognized RSL's thoughtful gesture by wearing RSL jerseys and hats, and making RSL-themed deserts to go along with the meals. The food donation was made possible through the RSL Foundations' "Feeding our Frontline" initiative. The foundation is purchasing meals for healthcare workers through donations collected from the community.

"Watching how this pandemic is affecting caregivers across the country, we wanted to have a program in place that responds to the immediate needs of the frontline hospital workers," said Mary VanMinde, Executive Director of the RSL Foundation. The "Feeding Our Frontline" program raises dollars for hospitals statewide, to provide free meals for Utah caregivers.

Wafels & Dinges Sends Sweets to Emergency Department Staff

Wafels & Dinges sent boxes of sweets to the University Hospital's Emergency Department. "Our frontline team here at University of Utah Health is grateful for our community support and amazing wafels," said Melinda, a U of U Health nurse. Wafels & Dinges is helping feed the front lines of COVID-19 by donating a box to health care heroes with every box purchased by a customer.

A message from Wafels & Dinges: "To all the healthcare heroes: thank you ?There are not enough Wafels in the world to make up for all of your efforts. We wouldn't be here without your selfless service."

U.S. Bank & Boston Deli Feeds Front Line Workers

U.S. Bank and Boston Deli worked together to support frontline healthcare workers by donating meals to University of Utah Health's Sugar House Health Center.

"I would be so ungrateful if I didn't give a shoutout to the many companies and individuals that have surprised us with lunch the past couple of weekends, despite our many attempts to turn them away. We want you to know that we appreciate your kindness and that we are so humbled by the kindness we have been shown from our community," said Isa Tali, a U Health Nurse.

Summit Pizza Co. Surprises Nurses with a Free Meal

Summit Pizza Co. surprised nurses at University of Utah Health's infusion clinic with free pizza. Nurse, Dana Blazzard, says when Summit Pizza Co. found out where the delivery was going to, the pizza was given as a donation.

"Summit Pizza Co. not only said yes, but also donated all the pizzas (5 large) and opened early to make sure I could pick them up on time. They sure made these (and many more) heroes happy," said Dana.

Stratford Proper Donates Pizza & Pasta

Stratford Proper Restraurant donated pizza and pasta to health care workers at the Sugar House Health Center to thank them for their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While everyone is experiencing some kind of hardship during these difficult times, let's hear it for our healthcare workers - in particular, our neighbors at U of U Health's Sugar House Center. We cannot adequately express with words our respect and gratitude for these Most Essential of essential workers during this pandemic," said Stratford Proper.

Greek Souvlaki Donates 220 Meals

The Greek Soulvlaki Restaurant donated more than 200 meals to University of Utah Health care workers to thank them for keeping families and friends safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"To all the medical professionals at the University of Utah Hospital, we have become encouraged by your hardwork and sacrifice day in and day out on the front lines of our current situation. All of us here at Greek Souvlaki have been wanting to give each and everyone of you a heartfelt thank you and the opportunity finally presented itself. By providing hearty meals for many of the staff members, we were able to show our appreciation to those who truly deserve it. We are eternally grateful for you keeping our families and friends safe. Thank you so much and please let us know when you start craving more gyros," said the Greek Souvlaki.

The Grand America Makes and Delivers 2,000 Cookies

The Grand America wanted to send a thank you to health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic by making 2,000 home-made chocolate chip cookies. "It is heartening to hear of people working tirelessly to help others," said Susanne Maitzen with the Grand America.

Pastry chefs and team members at The Grand America baked, decorated, and individually wrapped each cookie to be delivered to our health care heroes.

Women Dedicated to Serving Others Donates Meals to Health Care Workers

A group of Utah women looking to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic decided to serve their community by feeding local health care workers at University of Utah Health. Kristin Andrus posted her idea on social media and support came flooding. Within two hours, Kristin says she raised enough money to feed up to 70 emergency room staff, doctors and nurses.

The group of women purchased the meals from Bombay House and Spitz restaurant to support local retaurants during this time as well.

Vivint Solar Donates 1,500 N95 Face Masks

Vivint Solar donated 1,500 N95 face masks to University of Utah Heath to help protect our health care workers. Several weeks before COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Utah, Vivint Solar ordered the face masks for their solar installers. Since that date, OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clarified guidelines for solar installers and put them in a "low risk" category. Since the N95 face masks were not required for Vivint Solar installers, the company decided to donate them to our healthcare heroes.

3,000 N95 Face Masks Delivered From China

University of Utah alumnus Dan Stephenson arranged a shipment of 3,000 N95 face masks that were donated to University of Utah Health in coordination with two Utah state representatives. Stephenson credits the delivery to the hard work of the Utah legislature and their ability to build relationships internationally. "I think this is a good example of the Utah legislature and the international outreach and generosity of the folks in Shanghai who recognized Utah's challenges acquiring needed PPE, and wanted to help," said Stephenson.

State Representatives Paul Ray and Eric Hutchings helped facilitate the donation. The donation comes from two groups within Shanghai; the Shanghai Municipal government and the Jiading Education District.

Huntsman Corporation Donates Five Tons of Hand Sanitizer

Huntsman Corporation shifted its manufacturing site to begin making hospital-grade hand sanitizer to help aid health care facilities in the United States. The first five-ton shipment was sent to Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health. The shipment is part of a larger production to help protect health care workers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This will greatly benefit HCI, University of Utah Health, and all the people who are counting on us to deliver top-quality care--whether it is for patients with cancer or for COVID-19," says HCI hospital director, Don Milligan, MBA. "This is a remarkable gift that only happened because of the creativity, ingenuity, and technical know-how of the Huntsman Corporation team and the generosity of LyondellBasell."

U of U Alumnus Collects PPE and Donates to U of U Health

University of Utah alum, Chris Leng, wanted to give back to his alma mater after seeing a call for PPE donations on the news. He sent the information to friends and neighbors through the 'WeChat App' and received an outpour of support from his friends and neighbors.

In just five days, Leng received PPE donations from more than 20 different families. These items included more than:

600 N95 respirators,
1,100 masks, and
1,300 examination gloves.

Packed up in 10 big boxes, Leng scheduled a donation drop off. But that's not all. Leng also helped arrange a donation of 400 N95 respirators to the University of Utah Hospital's PACU from a local Chinese community organization called Utah Chinese Civic Center (UCCC).

The Baking Hive Donates Treats to the Burn Center

The Baking Hive sent treats and a sheet cake to U of U Health's Burn Center to thank health care workers for keeping patients safe and healthy during the pandemic.

"Thank You, Thank You to all you hardworking and sacrificing doctors, nurses, medical staff, hospital staff, researchers, frontline workers, grocery workers, farmers and essential workers who keep us all safe, healthy, feed and cared for...all at the risk of their own health and sacrifice of time with their families and loved ones. Also a massive Thank You to THEIR FAMILIES who so generously share their loved ones with us each day. We pray for you daily," said The Baking Hive.

Pig and a Jelly Jar feeds U of U Health's Front Line Medical Staff

The Sugar House restaurant, Pig and a Jelly Jar, is donating food to University of Utah Health's front line medical staff each week. The restaurant started a "pay it forward" program to raise donations to feed healthcare workers.

Once the restaurant raises $200, a family-style meal is prepared and donated to one of U of U Health's COVID-19 testing locations. Pig and a Jelly Jar plans to donate food once a week for as long as they can.

Utah Association of Criminal Defense Feeds CVICU Staff

The Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers teamed up with Cafe Rio to feed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) staff at University Hospital.

"Our hearts and bellies are full," said Tera Schatz, a U Health nurse.

Sagato Bakery Cafe & Frost City Tattoo Feed COVID-19 Front Line Staff

Sagato Bakery Cafe partnered with Frost City Tattoo to make box lunches for COVID-19 front line health care workers. More than 50 meat pies were donated to University of Utah Health and were distributed to various departments at University Hospital.

"We are so grateful for the healthcare workers who are putting their own health at risk to protect us," said Sagato Bakery Cafe.

Punctured Piercing Donates Medical Supplies

Despite being shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, Punctured Piercing in Bountiful donated all their medical supplies to University of Utah Health.

"We have always partnered with our community, now it is to help with the Covid19 response," said Punctured Piercing.

Osteria Amore Restaurant Donates Pizza to Emergency Department Staff

Osteria Amore Restaurant donated pizzas that fed the entire Emergency Department staff at University of Utah Hospital.

"Last week we were honored to be able to give back to the hero's of the last several weeks. These small acts of gratitude can seem so small to us, but they mean the world to the men and women in these tough situations. Thank you to all those putting themselves at risk and their families as well," said Osteria Amore.

Wasatch Fleet Service Delivers Burritos to U Hospital

Wasatch Fleet Service ordered burritos from Chipotle to be distributed to Emergency Department staff at University of Utah Hospital.

"We Delivered 40 burritos to the University of Utah emergency department for the amazing staff that is working so tirelessly. Every little bit counts," said Wasatch Fleet Service.

Wadsworth Brothers Construction Pays it Forward to U Health Care Workers

Wadsworth Brothers Construction worked with Tuscany Restaurant in Salt Lake City to donate to Emergency Department staff at University of Utah Hospital.

The Construction company was recognized by Utah Pay It Forward, an organization to help uplift Utahns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utah Pay It Forward is collecting donations to purchase meals from restaurants to donate back to the community.

Utah United Donates Gift Cards to U of U Health Care Workers

Alexis Cortez recently began a project called "Meals for Medical Staff" as part of Utah United. The purpose of the project is to encourage community support for Utah's healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Not long after the launch of "Meals for Medical Staff" Alexis raised over $1,500 in gift cards from neighbors and community members which was all donation to University of Utah Hospital Emergency Department. Alexis' goal is to expand the initiative throughout the entire state of Utah.

Utah Boutique Raises Money to Donate N95 Masks

Online Utah boutique called 'Feel Good Mama' raised money among its customers to purchase N95 masks to thank the health care heroes at University of Utah Health.

Owner, Shannon Ryan-Angel, decided to put three-weeks' worth of profits towards the purchase of the masks. Shannon wanted to donate 100% of her boutique's profits to help make a difference during this critical time.