Champions of Health Care

Philanthropy: a gift from the heart

Cal Sweet, Board Member Northwest Healthcare Foundation

"Philanthropy is rooted in the concept that caring people will voluntarily reach out with aid and comfort for others when a need exists. For years, our community has enhanced care at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, particularly by supporting the A.L.E.R.T. air ambulance service and by contributing countless volunteer hours at the hospital. People who not only live in our community, but who want to make it a better place have stepped forward, giving generously from the heart to make sure we have the best possible health care for our citizens. Giving is a privilege, not an obligation, and my wife and I feel privileged to be able to give back to the community we love by supporting the Northwest Healthcare Foundation. Philanthropy is serving our community well at KRMC. We look back at our accomplishments with satisfaction, but also look forward to how much more we need to do."

Philanthropy helps maintain quality health care

Dr. William Boehme, Physician and Foundation donor

"We are blessed to have a vibrant medical community, with the latest equipment and talented professionals who provide excellent care to our citizens. Unfortunately, this comes at a price not totally covered by private and government insurance - not to mention the increasing number of under- and non-insured. Private philanthropy is important to cover these financial shortfalls so maintain high quality health care and retain the ability to provide the latest technology available. Our hospital board and administration have been thoughtful and far-seeing in supporting a progressive environment. I have supported the Northwest Healthcare Foundation in the past and will continue to do so in the future. As a health care professional, I am impressed by what we have here, and as a citizen of this community, I want to make sure that the best possible healthcare is available for me and my family, as well as for my neighbors and friends. In these days of declining healthcare reimbursements, private philanthropy is increasingly important to maintain a strong healthcare system for all of us. Please join me in supporting the important work of the Northwest Healthcare Foundation."

Giving your talents as well as your treasures

Marcia Rieke, Community Resident and Foundation volunteer

"I have seen health care evolve. But with new technology comes a high price tag, and at the same time, the government reimbursements have fallen consistently and dramatically. Hospitals who have had Foundations have been able to provide equipment and services beyond the realm of the hospital budget. This enables patients to receive better care and enables them to stay closer to home.

Foundations count on people who are willing to give their time as well as money. Not all of us are wealthy enough to give a large monetary gift, however, there is a satisfaction in giving of ourselves to ease the pain of others and assist a patient or family member during a stressful time.

There are so many ways to assist the many entities of the Northwest Healthcare Foundation by honoring a health care provider, treasuring the memory of a loved one or supporting a department, (and a piece of equipment), that cares for patients with illnesses that have touched your life.

I invite you to join me in remembering the Foundation in the manner that suits you best!"

Giving back: the right thing to do

Jerry Chipman, 24-year hospital employee

"Serving on the board of the Employee Philanthropy Club, which donates money to purchase items needed by the various departments of the hospital, is important because sometimes the hospital budget can't cover everything that's needed. I'm a longtime employee and I got involved with the philanthropy club to help the hospital. I'm particularly interested in patient care, and we've been able to purchase wheelchairs and other equipment to help our patients. It's been very satisfying to help figure out how best to spend the money that our employees donate to improve health care. If I can help the hospital, I'm happy to do that. It was just the right thing to do."

Every little bit helps

Val Inmee, Northwest Healthcare Employee

"I have been in health care for more than 35 years and have seen how budgets get smaller while the needs get larger. Getting involved with the Employee Philanthropy Club enables me to help meet at least some of the needs. It is easy enough to say that the hospital should be responsible for meeting every need and that a Foundation should not be necessary, but the reality is that not every item can be approved in order to meet budgets. Whether you give of your time assisting with an event, a monetary donation, or talent such as contributing to a Bake Sale or auction, every little bit helps. "