Healthcare builder builds a philanthropic legacy of his own

With a career in healthcare construction spanning decades, Dave Imesch has helped bring healthcare facilities to life across the nation. But Henry Ford Providence Southfield and Novi Hospitals left a lasting impression on him.

In 2000, after working on the design and construction of various projects at Henry Ford Providence Southfield and Novi Hospitals, Dave was invited to the Providence Golf Classic – an annual charity golf outing hosted by the Providence Foundation, which supports Henry Ford Providence Southfield and Novi Hospitals and the Brighton Center for Recovery – where he saw the foundation’s commitment to a cause very near to his heart: caring for individuals in need.

“I was always taught to serve the poor and work within the community. The Providence Golf Classic’s service creates a real balance in my life – to help members in our community live better lives,” said Dave.

All proceeds from the Providence Golf Classic are directed to Henry Ford Providence Southfield and Novi Hospitals’ Care of the Poor Fund – providing patients emergency financial assistance for necessities such as utilities, rent, transportation, food, medical supplies or other emergent needs – and Believe in Miracles Fund, which supports oncology patients facing financial struggles during cancer treatment. Over $3 million in net proceeds have been raised for these causes through the Providence Golf Classic.

After his first golf outing, Dave’s commitment to the foundation blossomed. He became a member of the Providence Golf Classic Committee and has served as the committee chair for 24 years. Dave also joined Providence Foundation’s board, serving as both Vice Chair and the Nominating Committee Chair, and remains a member of the board.

To further his commitment, Dave decided to pursue a planned gift as well – making the Care of the Poor Fund a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

“I give of my time and my talent to Providence in my service on the board, and further construct the best healthcare facilities with them through time and talent. Now it's really time for me to give back some of the treasure that I have in my life to an institution that serves not only the insured but also those in need,” said Dave.

Thanks to his career, Dave is very familiar with the importance of capital projects in enhancing care environments. However, he finds meaning in the ability to directly help improve the lives of some of the hospitals’ most vulnerable patients through his giving.

“I've been involved with many healthcare institutions throughout the U.S., and I truly believe that Providence Hospital is an institution that is at the top of the field of patient-centered care,” Dave shared. “I want that service of care to be available for many years to come. This is my way of giving back to the hospital for everything that they've done for me and for my family.”