Coronavirus: $1 Million Anonymous Donation Going To Workers At A California Hospital

A hospital in Santa Cruz, California, received an anonymous donation in the amount of $1 million for its employees fighting the dreaded coronavirus.

Along with the check, the donor left a letter for the Dominican Hospital staff, thanking them for their dedication and sacrifices since this pandemic started.

"Thank you for standing up (and staying up!) to care for our community,” the note stated. “This human-kindness is what makes you heroic," the donor said while thanking the frontliners. "Please know that my heart is with you as we seek to protect and care for each other during this challenging time."

According to the hospital's spokesperson, the million-dollar bonus will be distributed to the doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, cleaning staff, mailroom staff, security guards, and those working at the medical records for at least a year. The full-time workers are taking home around $800, while the part-timers will take home $600.

Administrators of the Dominican Hospital said that they were approached by the donor, who lives in the area on April 17, about the donation. The person, who insisted on being unnamed, has reportedly contributed to the hospital in the past and wanted to extend help to the frontline staff this time around.

"There have been some great contributions made around the country, regarding COVID-19," Chief Philanthropy Officer David Gagner said. "But this one that’s focusing directly on the employees, we believe is really, at this point, one of a kind.”

Nurse Amy Louden, who works a 12-hour shift at the hospital, said she will be paying it forward by also donating part of her bonus to a local charity. She will also patronize local businesses that have been affected by the pandemic.

"We cannot adequately express the depth of our gratitude for this gracious, selfless gift," the hospital president Nanette Mickiewicz said. "This generous donation is a testament to their clinical excellence, their tireless dedication and, most of all, their profound humanity."

Data from the California government show that there are more than 54,000 COVID-19 cases and nearly 2,300 fatalities in California as of May 4.