Corewell Health Gerber Hospital

Each year, a Gerber Hospital baby is recognized at the National Baby Food Festival in Fremont. The "First Baby Born" event celebrates the baby born closest to 5 am on the date of the event. In 2025, baby boy Bennett, who was born at 5:28 am, received the title, along with a selection of gifts made possibly by philanthropy.  

Held in October, the 3rd Annual Corewell Health Gerber Hospital Flannel Fest supported the creation of the Gerber Hospital Nursing Endowment, raising over $78,000 for our current and future nurses! Brandee Chase, a nurse celebrating her 25th Gerber Hospital anniversary this year, was honored with the Gerber Hospital Legacy Award, which is given to a family or individual who demonstrates leadership at both the hospital and in the community.  

For the second year, philanthropy enabled the Central Practice Council Committee, a collective of direct care team members who focus on workplace culture and relationships, to sponsor four families for the holiday season. In collaboration with TrueNorth, each family received a selection of beautifully wrapped gifts, bringing joy and relief from stress during a time that can be especially difficult for those in need. 

“I filled out the paperwork at TrueNorth, expecting a toy drive at best, which is still a blessing but much less ‘personal’ to each kid. When my case worker called to tell me I was being ‘adopted’ for Christmas, I felt like a piece of all the weight I was carrying started to come back together. Christmas movies and hot cocoa nights started to sound good again. I could play the Christmas radio station without feeling a pit in my stomach. When I arrived at TrueNorth to pick up the gifts, I saw a huge box sitting near the office. Someone said, ‘let’s get a cart to load up your car.” Just looking at this huge box of gifts, I said I wasn’t expecting all of this. That’s when she said ‘oh, there’s still two more boxes!” I thought there’s no way this is all for me! I even checked the gift tags to make sure it was all for my family. You didn’t just save Christmas for us. You gave me renewed hope, strength, and a moment of pure happiness that my boys will carry forever. Thank you for helping me hold everything together.” – A grateful mom