Top: Meaghan Walsh, Leigh Dixon, Milicent Armstrong Gault, Ali DeFisisco, Caroline Clark,
Emily Katzman, Katie Leake, Carolyn Pyburn
Middle: Jess Ingemi, Beth Melander, Amanda Jaffe, Amy Leamon, Catherine Malone, Bari
Lieberman
Bottom: Cailey McDonough, Ashley Wheeler, Stacey Kraft, Erin Spinucci
COURTESY PHOTO / ASHLEY WHEELER
For more than seven decades, the Merry Mixers have been raising funds to improve pediatric care at Mass General Brigham’s Salem Hospital. Now, the volunteer-driven nonprofit is expanding its impact with the creation of the Merry Mixers Pediatric Patient in Need Fund, a new initiative designed to support families facing financial hardship while their children receive medical care.
“Our priority has always been to make an immediate, tangible impact, so we work closely and transparently with Salem Hospital to guarantee funds stay local and are used for essentials like safe car seats, warm clothing, transportation, and other critical needs,” said Merry Mixers Co-chair Beth Melander.
The Merry Mixers have a long history of funding vital resources for pediatric patients. Since their founding in 1950 by a group of Marblehead women, the organization has raised and donated over $2 million to Salem Hospital. Past contributions include funding the expansion of the Special Care Nursery, providing state-of-the-art medical equipment like retinal scanners and neonatal intubation systems, and supporting outdoor play spaces, murals and training
programs for pediatric providers.
This year’s donation also covers the installation of a webcam system in the Special Care Nursery. The technology — already in use at other Mass General Brigham hospitals — allows parents to securely check in on their newborns remotely, offering peace of mind and a vital connection during stressful times.
“Every dollar given to Salem Hospital stays right here in our community, it is never redirected to other Mass General Brigham hospitals,” noted Merry Mixers Co-chair Amy Leamon. “With a patient population where 70% are covered by government insurance or are uninsured — significantly higher than the state average — these local donations are critical to helping us serve some of the most valuable individuals in our region.”
As the group looks toward another fundraising year, their mission remains unchanged: to enhance the health and well-being of children on the North Shore through dedicated community support.
The mixers annual 50/50 raffle tickets are now on sale visit www.merrymixers.org. The winner will be drawn on Dec. 5 at the Marblehead Tree Lighting; you don’t need to be present to win.
