Foundation board leads the change our hospital needs

The Ellinwood Hospital Foundation, previously the Ellinwood Area Health Foundation, recently underwent a few growing pains, but now is dreaming the big dreams, with the future of Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic looking bright.

“We are excited to build on the tremendous community support generated by some of our previous projects, like the radiology improvements from a few years ago,” states Karen Sessler, Foundation president.

The main focus of the Foundation is to support the health of our communities through Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic. The board supports this mission by making charitable gifts to the hospital, based on requests from the administration.

“The Foundation is an essential piece in the growth and future of the Hospital, maintains Kile Magner, Hospital CEO. “Without their support, and the community’s support, we wouldn’t be here.”

The Foundation also supports other organizations, such as the Ellinwood Emergency Medical Services (EMS), by managing an endowment fund for them.

The Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees, selected from our local communities. Since its inception, the board has been diligent in its duty to provide charitable stewardship for gifts to the Foundation. The trustees develop investment strategies and policies for the Foundation and ensure that donor designations are upheld.

“Having the opportunity to make a difference is important,” reports Beth Meyeres, Foundation Vice-President. “It’s important that we take charge of our community to make it better. If we don’t, who will?”

Current Foundation Board of Trustee members are: Karen Sessler, President; Beth Meyeres, Vice President; Lloyd Kurtz, Treasurer; Jo Kurtz, Secretary; Gayla Asher; Linda Kimple; Diane Nemnich; Joyce Schulte; and serving ex-officio (in office because of position) are Kile Magner, Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic CEO; Lindsey Bogner, Executive Director; and Joy Schlochtermeier, Ellinwood Hospital Auxiliary President.