A SHORT HISTORY OF LAKE CHELAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Formed in 1981 as a non-profit charitable organization and incorporated with the state of Washington (The foundation was reinstated after failing to pay corporate fees in 1988). The original registered agent was James Frymier, who was the Administrator at LCCH in 1981. The purpose of organizing was so that contributions could be received for the hospital, and donors could take advantage of tax breaks allowed by the Internal Revenue Service.
A yearly fee is paid to the Corporate Division of the state. As of 2008 the foundation also is registered under the Washington Charitable Solicitations Act as a charitable organization and as such is responsible for annual reports to the state.
The corporation shall be operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes and the improvement of healthcare services in the State of Washington, primarily within the Lake Chelan area.
The original Foundation listed seven directors. Currently, there are eighteen directors, elected for three-year terms (unless they are serving an unexpired term of a director who has resigned).
In June 1983, a determination letter from the IRS states that the Foundation is not a private foundation, and is qualified under section 50l(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)3. This was again stated in a letter dated June 1993.
The early years …
When the Foundation was formed, there was no seed money. The attorney who filed the original papers for incorporation and government status as a non-profit did so at his own expense, with a promise of reimbursement when the Foundation had money. Board members donated money for postage. The first treasurer’s report showed $43. Guild B donated $50. Guild X donated $75. Hospital employees had a bake sale, which raised $199.65. The first official fundraiser was a “Big Band” dance which raised approximately $275. Mrs. Swantze Nicholson donated $1,000 and Wally Peterson $50. The American Legion donated the use of the dance hall.
In December 1982, the Lake Chelan Community Boat Racers Housing Assn offered to deed the Lake Chelan Community Apartments over to the Foundation. At a special meeting on Dec. 29, 1982, the Foundation directors voted to decline the offer. In July 1983, the Foundation was given $19, 929.14 from the L.C. Boat Racers Housing Association, proceeds from the sale of the apartments. They were to receive future donations in 1984 and 1985. Payments were received in those years.
In 1984 a consultant was hired by the Foundation and Hospital to develop a long-range plan for the Foundation. (No action was reported on this Long Range Plan) An annual giving program was started about this time, with brochures developed and sent to households in the area. The Board was expanded to eleven members.
In January 1986, the first major donation to the hospital was $25,000 towards the refurnishing of the Mental Health Department. A $28,000 payment was received from Wells & Wade.
Student loans and scholarships were first considered in 1986. The first property donation to the Foundation was also in 1986.
A Health Fair was held in 1987. The foundation printed brochures and gave away a donated airline ticket.
In 1992 a major campaign was started to raise funds for a third floor addition to the hospital. This was the “Commitment to Caring” campaign, and around $800,000 was raised through cash donations and 5-year pledges. In 1994 the third floor addition to the hospital was completed. At this time, the Foundation hired a person to run the foundation office and make monthly reports to the Board.
A generous donation of $1,000,000 in 1995 was made by Mrs. Edna Bragg with proceeds of investments to be used for Healthcare Education. An active program of scholarships and renovation of the conference room was undertaken. Funds given for healthcare education have exceeded a million dollars as of 2015.
After the Commitment to Caring pledges were completed in 1997, the Board instigated an Annual Giving Campaign to raise funds for specific purchases for the hospital. The first campaign raised approximately $60,000 for Emergency Room renovation and equipment.
In 2002 the Endowment fund was established for future capital needs of the hospital. Two townhomes that were donated to the Foundation by the Gravette family were sold, with proceeds used to start this fund.
Since then funds have been added from other property sales and from death benefits.
Oct. 2003 a “Gala Event” was held, honoring donors to the Foundation. Several individuals and families were honored for their special gifts.
In 2008, the Secretary of State determined that the Foundation had to be registered with the state of Washington Charitable Solicitations Act. A notice will be sent by the state 30 days before the due date. (A yearly fee is required)
In 2012 an Executive Director (Katherine Jerald) was hired to work with the Board of Directors to help plan the future course for the Foundation. The hospital commissioners agreed that the hospital would pay the salary for the E. D. the first and second years. In 2015, the Foundation agreed to pay the salary for the E.D. with the hospital doing the accounting and billing for the Foundation each month.
Katherine resigned in July 2015 and the search was on to find a replacement. A new E.D. (Arlene Abbott) was hired in November 2015.
LAKE CHELAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOUNDATION
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE HISTORY
Since founded in 1982, scholarships have been part of the philanthropic arm of the Foundation. Early recipients signed a document saying they would return to the Chelan area to work. Enforcement and tracking were problems with the theory. Although some did return, many dropped out before completing their education or chose to seek, or were offered, employment elsewhere.
In 1993, during the Foundation’s “Commitment to Caring” campaign, an anonymous contribution of $75,000 was made to the Foundation for the purpose of healthcare education. Investments were lagging at the time, and very few scholarships were given from the proceeds of this donation. The energy of the Foundation Board was put into the efforts for the “Commitment to Caring” campaign and very little was done toward scholarships.
By 1994, the third floor was added to the hospital, departments were expanded and healthcare education also became a concern in the Chelan Valley. A permanent employee was hired by the Foundation Board at this time to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation. Part of the operations was helping develop scholarship applications and policies for distributing the educational funds now available. A Scholarship Committee was formed and the Finance Committee became more involved.
In 1995, after the death of Mrs. Edna Bragg, the bequest was made public, and proceeds from her will were added to the fund. Interest, dividends, capital gains, and stock appreciation from the investments may be used for healthcare education for Chelan Valley residents and employees. Mrs. Bragg also gave her home to the Foundation, which was sold and those proceeds were also added to the fund to establish the Harold and Edna Bragg Healthcare Education Fund.
In 1996, funds were distributed to three local brokers for investment purposes. These were North Cascades National Bank Financial Services, Edward Jones Company, and Piper Jaffray. The original amount was $1,018,000.00. At a later time, $29,000.00 was added to that amount from Smith Barney. The Bragg home was sold and another $100,000.00 was added to the total. Since that time, more than $1,000,000 has been distributed for healthcare scholarships, educational services, and projects such as the renovation of the Bragg Educational Center and the Health Education Center (Boardroom) at the Lake Chelan Community Hospital.
The Finance Committee of the Foundation oversees the invested funds. The Scholarship Committee oversees the distribution of these funds. These funds are restricted to the proceeds and capital gains from the investments. Two times during the past 15 years, scholarships have been suspended because of the decline in investment markets.
In 2014, the Board approved the use of one broker only, transferring funds from ING and StifelNicolaus into the Edward Jones Co. in Chelan. (Erik Nelson, Financial Advisor) This was done to simplify accounting and avoid duplication between brokers.
In 2013, the Board approved allotments for Continuing Education to be the same as those for College Scholarships. Professionals in healthcare have seen the expense of classes increasing over the past few years and the number of requests has also increased.
2014
2018
LAKE CHELAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOUNDATION
(Name changed from Lake Chelan Community Hospital Foundation in 2017)
VISION
Lake Chelan Health & Wellness Foundation is dedicated to generating and managing donated funds to ensure healthcare facilities and services meet the healthcare needs of the community.
ORGANIZATION
The Foundation board is currently made up of eleven Chelan Valley citizens dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of the community. These are business and community leaders who bring diversified interests to the boardroom.
The Foundation was formed and Incorporated in 1981 to tell the story of the hospital’s ongoing programs and continuing needs. It provides an effective channel for contributions made to the hospital. The United States Internal Revenue Service recognizes the Foundation as a (501C3) benevolent and charitable organization. Gifts to the Foundation qualify for tax deductions under Federal IRS regulations. The name of the foundation was changed in 2017.
As a result of a strategic planning process, the need for an updated and enlarged facility was realized in 1994 by adding an additional floor, modernization of emergency services, and upgrading equipment. More than $540,000 in donations and pledges were collected and distributed to the hospital from 1992 through 1997. The “Giving Tree” of contributors during the Commitment to Caring campaign can be found in the waiting room on the second floor of the hospital.
ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
In 1997, the first “Annual Giving Campaign” was launched by the Foundation. The first year emphasized the needs of the Emergency Room and $60,000 was raised, with additional equipment purchased in 1998. In 2000, $55,000 was donated to purchase new sterilization equipment. Individuals donated another $63,000 to purchase a mammography machine and Emergency Responder vehicle.
An anesthesia monitor was purchased in 2002, and additional funds were raised for a C-arm mobile fluoroscopy Xray unit. Technology within the hospital has improved in the ensuing years, enabling the professional medical staff to transmit through fiber optic and teleradiology for immediate response. Each year becomes a bigger challenge to keep up with the technology required in the world today.
Funds were raised for new lighting in the Operation Rooms at the hospital in 2005. With more physicians doing more surgery at the local hospital, it is important to keep the facility abreast with other hospitals in the area. The OR area has been expanded with a recovery room and updated equipment.
The 2006 campaign helped pay for a new anesthesia machine for the hospital. $25,000 was presented to the hospital from funds raised during the campaign. A cardiac central station was the focus in 2007 and funds from annual giving donations and the Eagles Auxiliary totaled $31,000 for the hospital. The following year funds were raised for the purchase of portable bedside cardiac monitors and IV pumps. An operating table was purchased in 2011 and in 2012 a heart monitor was added to the ambulance because of generous donations. Anyone wishing to make a major donation of needed equipment to the hospital may contact the Foundation office or hospital administrative office.
A continuing pledge program is offered to those who would like to make a donation to the hospital over a period of time. Pledges may be made through payroll deduction at the hospital, or donors can be billed per month, quarter, semiannually or annually. Donations can also be made on a one-time basis as memorials and honorariums or by bequests.
ENDOWMENT FUND
In 2002 an Endowment Fund was established by the Foundation for future capital improvements of the Lake Chelan Community Hospital. Initially, funds were provided by a generous donation of two townhomes in the area. In 2003 a bequest of cash was added. The goal is to accumulate a million dollars in this fund so that the earnings can be used for major capital needs at the hospital. The fund currently is more than $700,000.
HEALTHCARE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
During the 1992 “Commitment to Caring” campaign, an anonymous donation was made to the Foundation for a healthcare education scholarship fund. After the death of Mrs. Edna Bragg in 1995, this bequest was made public and the proceeds from her will were added to the fund. Interest, dividends, and capital gains from the investments may be used for 1ealthcare education for Chelan Valley residents and employees. More than $1,000,000 has been distributed for healthcare educational purposes since the fund was established. Harold and Edna Bragg Healthcare Scholarship Fund applications are available by calling the Foundation office, at (509) 682-6125 or email LCHealthWellness.com.
(2018)
