Jay’s Sporting Goods and the Poet Family Launch Matching Gift Challenge to Support Clare Medical Center

MyMichigan Health Foundation has received a generous matching gift commitment from Jay’s Sporting Goods and the Poet Family in support of the Renovation & Expansion Project at MyMichigan Medical Center Clare. This gift creates an exciting opportunity for the community to help complete this vital investment in local health care.

At a pivotal point in the campaign, the Poet Family has pledged to match donations dollar for dollar, up to $200,000, from gifts made through October 1. This limited-time match allows community members, businesses and organizations to double the impact of every contribution.

With Phase I complete and Phase II underway, the Clare Renovation & Expansion Project has already transformed care through expanded emergency services, enhanced patient privacy, improved patient flow and imaging upgrades. While the Foundation surpassed the halfway mark toward its $1 million philanthropic goal, continued community support is essential to help cross the finish line.

“I am excited about this opportunity for Clare and deeply grateful to Jay’s Sporting Goods and the Poet Family for their extraordinary leadership,” said Becky Church, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. “One of the most rewarding parts of this campaign has been meeting community members and hearing how much access to local health care means to them. I look forward to connecting many more as we work together to finish strong.”

Community members and businesses interested in supporting the project may contact Church to learn more, schedule a personal tour and see firsthand how these investments are enhancing health care close to home.

“As the new market president serving Clare, I want this community to know how deeply committed I am to rural health care and ensuring continued access to high-quality care close to home,” said Chuck Sherwin, market president, MyMichigan Medical Centers Alma, Clare, Midland and Mt.
Pleasant. “MyMichigan Health made a deliberate decision to invest in Clare because this community matters. This project reflects our long-term commitment to local families, businesses and the future of health care in this region. We are incredibly grateful to Jay’s Sporting Goods and the Poet Family for their leadership and for inspiring others to join us.”

The Clare Renovation & Expansion Project reflects MyMichigan Health’s long-standing commitment to strengthening access to care in rural communities. By continuing to invest in its downtown Clare campus, rather than relocating services elsewhere, the organization is ensuring that high-quality care remains essential for families, businesses and the future of the region.

Patients are already benefiting from new private inpatient rooms, expanded Emergency Department treatment space, on-site MRI services and increased CT imaging capacity, all of which have significantly improved patient flow and the overall patient experience. Phase II will focus on additional first-floor renovations, further enhancing patient access, visitor experience and the medical center’s future growth.

For the Poet Family, the matching gift is both a personal commitment and a call to action for the community.

“Clare is our community and access to local health care matters,” said Jeff Poet of Jay’s Sporting Goods. “We hope this matching opportunity inspires others to step forward and invest in the future of this community.”

Those interested in supporting the Clare Medical Center project are encouraged to give now, every dollar donated through October 1 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $200,000, helping bring this important project across the finish line.

“If we can maximize this generous matching gift,” Church added. “We will be less than $110,000 from our campaign goal of one million dollars.”

Those interested in learning more, making a donation or scheduling a personal tour of the Medical Center may visit www.mymichigan.org/givetoclare or contact Church at 989-839-3342 or becky.church@mymichigan.org.