St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation Vice President Pursues Life Dream

The St. Bernardine Medical Center (SBMC) Foundation bid farewell to its vice president and executive director of the last two years, Michelle Rainer, last Thursday at the Mission Inn in Riverside, paying homage to Rainer’s work, contributions and achievements with the Foundation over these years. Rainer announced her resignation as she pursues a lifelong dream, beginning a new career path studying and researching health behaviors and attitudes among elderly immigrant populations, with the ultimate goal of earning a doctorate degree in community and global health. Rainer’s interest in aging extends to both her personal and professional life: she has a masters degree in gerontology, the study of aging, and is a former deputy director for the office of aging with Riverside County. “I had a very close relationship with my grandmother before she passed,” said Rainer. “So from a personal and professional stance, I’ve always been interested in seniors and making their lives better.” As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, Rainer thanked the SBMC Foundation board and staff. “Thank you for (your) leadership and friendship, both professionally and personally,” said Rainer. “The St. Bernardine’s Medical Center Foundation wouldn’t be successful without each of them.” Rainer’s tenure with the SBMC Foundation began in 2005 when she became the director of development, a position she held for nearly seven years. Rainer also served as interim executive director and in 2012 was named vice president and executive director, a position she has held since. Her contributions to the Foundation include high impact projects, including the establishment of the SBMC Foundation’s Legacy of Caring Society, the hospital’s first formal donor club for planned giving and estate gifts – a program which has grown from 20 to nearly 50 members since 2007. Rainer was also part of a team who contributed to a campaign to raise over $1 million to acquire the St. Bernardine’s da Vinci Surgical System and the campaign to raise almost $2 million for the hospital’s Center for Imaging. “Important projects like these and many others, campaigns that the Foundation board and its members have wholeheartedly embraced and supported, greatly contribute to St. Bernardine’s ability to provide high quality, affordable health care for our community. This dedication and commitment to philanthropy is not only appreciated, but it is imperative to the hospital’s current and future success,” said Steven R. Barron, Dignity Health SVP Operations, Southern California President, St. Bernardine Medical Center, in a written statement. Rainer said that her tenure with the SBMC Foundation helped prepare her for her future goals. “I was able to understand a little piece of healthcare. You know, healthcare is so big. I was able to see how they try to navigate this world we call medical care, and these patients, and their stories, will help me in my journey.” Rainer closed, “I want to say how much I appreciate everyone that has helped me along the way, not just board members but also staff. I wish everybody the best of luck.” Rainer’s last official day as vice president of the SBMC Foundation was Friday, Oct. 31.