Hawaii Pacific Health employees raised nearly $1.1 million to help patients and their families during the company’s 16th employee-giving campaign.

The record amount surpassed the campaign’s $1 million goal and was raised over a one-month period through personal gifts and pledges by more than 4,100 staff members.

“As a not-for-profit health care system, Hawaii Pacific Health relies on the support of our community and is extremely grateful for their generosity that helps fund numerous services and programs at our facilities,” Hawaii Pacific Health President and CEO Ray Vara said. “It is truly inspiring when that generosity is demonstrated by our own employees.”

Hawaii Pacific Health is the parent company of Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center, Straub Clinic & Hospital and Wilcox Medical Center on Kauai.

For 30 days, employees were invited to make a gift in support of the philanthropic mission of each medical center. Employees from every department volunteered to be team leaders and helped to inspire peers to participate. There also were creative fundraising events at each facility, ranging from plate lunch sales and karaoke contests to silent auctions, which raised more than $77,000 for the campaign.

This year the majority of the campaign money will benefit the following programs and services at Hawaii Pacific Health’s four medical centers:

>> Kapiolani Medical Center’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program, which provides emotional support for patients, their families and staff. Chief canine officer Winnie and Kapiolani’s child psychologist work together to provide a source of healing, hope and comfort.

>> Patient emergency assistance funds at Pali Momi Medical Center and Straub Medical Center, which help patients with out-of-pocket costs that can be devastating when a medical crisis occurs. Gifts help fund medication, medical equipment, transportation and more for patients in need.

>> Wilcox Medical Center’s new Chaplain Services Program, which offers spiritual and emotional healing. Spiritual care services help patients and families observe their own faith and cope with the health care experience, and support the needs of staff members, both personal and professional.