Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids dates to 1891, when a small group of women wanted to help people who couldn’t afford health care. Seeking support from the Grand Rapids community, they passed around a little black purse asking anyone named Mary – and anyone who knew someone named Mary – to donate 10 cents. Mary was the most popular woman’s name at the time, so the group quickly raised enough money to fund a bed at a local hospital. It became known as the first “Mary free bed.”
Today, the Guild provides services, support and sponsorship of many Mary Free Bed hospital and community events, including Camp Sunshine!
