Memorial Hospital Foundation Celebrates 50-Year Anniversary

The Memorial Hospital Foundation is thrilled to announce its 50th anniversary. This significant milestone underscores five decades of commitment to enhancing healthcare services in our community and keeping care close to home. 

Since its inception in November of 1974, the Memorial Hospital Foundation has been a beacon of hope, funding innovative healthcare programs, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and patient care services. These initiatives have positively impacted the lives of countless individuals and families in the eight counties that Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center services. With the unwavering support of its donors, the Foundation has raised and granted back millions of dollars over the past 50 years, enabling Memorial Hospital to fulfill its mission to transform lives through faith-based, compassionate care. Donors can give with confidence to the Memorial Hospital Foundation, as they are rated a Four-Star Charity from Charity Navigator and received the Platinum Transparency seal in 2024 from Candid.

"The Foundation's success is a testament to the generosity and compassion of our donors," said Deidra Church, Memorial Hospital Foundation Director. "Their unwavering support has enabled us to celebrate this milestone. We are incredibly proud to have witnessed the profound difference that philanthropy can make in health care. We celebrate our donors, volunteers, and partners who have dedicated their time and resources to improve the health of our community. We are deeply grateful for their contributions!"

The first board meeting was held on November 8, 1974, and that year, the Foundation granted $594.14. Fifty years later, the Foundation disperses nearly $1,000,000.00 annually to assist patients in financial need, advance hospital operations, and provide support for Memorial Hospital caregivers and the communities the hospital serves. The Memorial Hospital Foundation's impact is felt close to home. Donors can rest assured that the dollars donated to the Memorial Hospital Foundation will stay local, making a direct and meaningful impact on their community. Last fiscal year, over 10,500 patients were assisted by Foundation funds.

"This remarkable anniversary reflects Memorial Hospital Foundation's unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our community," said Michael Kern, Memorial Hospital Foundation Board Chairperson. "Over the years, we have seen the incredible impact of the Foundation's efforts, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Together, we will continue to enhance healthcare services and support those in need for many more years to come."

The current Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors includes:

Keith Miller – President, Michael Kern – Chairperson, Tina Weisman - Vice-Chairperson, Chad Hoffman – Treasurer, Abby Schmitt – Secretary, Sr. Renee Cunningham, LCM, Jim Huebner, Rachel Huls, Sarah Leonard, Susan Mann, Dr. Kristi Nord, Kathy Sigler, Tina Weisman, Steve Wigand, E. Kyle Bennett - Emeritus, and Bill Rubino - Emeritus. Memorial Hospital Foundation staff members are Deidra Church – Director and Alisha Schwenk - Donor Relations and Events Specialist. 

For additional information about the Foundation or to make a special year-end gift to continue this legacy of care for generations to come, we encourage you to visit the Foundation's website at www.mhhcc.org/giving or contact them at 812-996-8428 or [email protected].