INSPIRED TO GIVE. INSPIRED TO HEAL. Sanford Health Foundation Fargo Fall 2011 Sanford Health Foundation Fargo Summer 2011
Building Tomorrow
Today
Planning around
The Patient Donors with
Vision Against
All Odds
Evie Weninger, a Sanford Medical Partner cuddles a NICU baby Inside: Learn more about the Partners landmark gift
$5 million lead gift by Sanford Medical Center Partners Launches
Sanford Partners Executive Board: Jana Sawchuk, Nancy Merkens, Darlene Ziegler, Bonnie Kuehn, Gail Larson, Donna Richards, Not Pictured: Linda Gregory
Building Tomorrow Today Campaign
Throughout the long history of health care in Fargo, the Sanford Medical Center Partners have routinely led the way with philanthropic gifts to support first St. Luke’s Hospital, then MeritCare, and now Sanford Health. But there is nothing routine about their most recent gift. The Sanford Medical Center Partners (formerly known as the Auxiliary) has made a lead gift of $5 million to the Sanford Health Foundation’s Building Tomorrow Today Campaign. It is the largest gift ever made to Sanford Health in Fargo. This special campaign encourages donors to support health care forever by establishing permanently endowed funds. In turn, these endowed funds provide support to the program, department or project of the donor’s choice. The announcements of a new health care campus in southwest Fargo, along with plans for a revitalized and repurposed downtown campus, have generated tremendous interest and excitement, as has the $5 million gift from the Sanford Medical Center Partners.
foundation.sanfordhealth.org
“We are thrilled to make this lead gift to the Building Tomorrow Today campaign,” said Nancy Merkens, President of the Sanford Medical Center Partners. “Over the years our group has worked hard to bring leadership to many different projects. By making this early endorsement, we the Partners want to show our support of these plans for the future, and we invite all supporters of Sanford Health to join in the fun. It really is exciting,” she said. “This multi-million dollar pledge by the Partners comes at a pivotal time,” said Dennis Millirons, President of the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. “This group of volunteers never backs down from a challenge, and now they have made this wonderful gift, setting a shining example for the rest of the community.” The earnings from this $5 million endowment will provide perpetual support to patient care, research and technology at the Sanford Health Children’s Hospital in Fargo. As requested by the Partners, the NICU in the Children’s Hospital in Fargo will now be named “The Partners Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.” The new building plans and the Building Tomorrow Today campaign are unprecedented. “In all my years here I have never experienced anything like this,” said Deb Soliah, Vice President of Sanford Health Foundation in Fargo. “This $5 million gift from the Sanford Medical Center Partners is far and away the largest gift we have ever received. This endowment, along with many others which have been established in the early days of this campaign, has generated enthusiasm and pride in our supporters. It truly is going to be inspiring to watch these endowments grow as Sanford Health creates the health care campuses of the future.” Watch for future issues of Encourage for updates regarding the Building Tomorrow Today Campaign.
Planning around
the patient
Excitement is building in Fargo around a new hospital campus to be developed on the 109-acre Agassiz Crossing property located at the crossroads of I-94 and I-29, a rapidly growing area in the Fargo-Moorhead community with the space and capacity for future expansion. Ground breaking is expected in 2013 with completion anticipated in spring 2017. A projected budget of $360 million includes $60 million for streets, utilities, site preparation, foundation, power plant and parking. This uniquely designed facility will integrate clinic and hospital services to serve the Centers of Excellence, offer advanced technology and provide approximately 371 beds, 30 operating rooms, 40 ER/trauma beds, an imaging center and clinic space for 190 physicians. Designing a new hospital from the ground up provides an extraordinary opportunity to “do it right” for our patients. With that in mind, a steering committee, consisting of leadership in the areas of operations, finance, facilities, marketing, foundation, nursing and others, has established guiding principles, placing the patient as the top priority. The first step in designing a new hospital around the patient is to look at current processes and how to improve them. A team of 186 participants, on 11 teams, representing areas from Centers of Excellence to retail space to intensive care units, spent a week reviewing current processes. Using a “go and see” approach, they observed everything from flow of information, distances patients must move from one appointment to the next, proximity to necessary services, privacy, safety, storage, technology and more. Teams that mapped the current state will meet again in September to plan the future state. This data will help architects design the facility, keeping the patient experience top of mind. The Steering Committee members are also making site visits to newer medical facilities around the country to observe and generate ideas, so far traveling to Chicago, Phoenix and Minneapolis, with more site visits planned in the future. Even as plans get underway for the new site, Sanford remains committed to a significant presence in downtown
New campus steering committee
Fargo. Remodeling projects have already begun and will ensure this site remains a vital location. Currently, Family Birth Center is undergoing remodeling, with other areas to follow, including expansion of the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the addition of 12 beds to establish a Women’s unit, and expansion of the Emergency Center. Watch future issues of Encourage for updates regarding the new facility, renovation of the downtown campus and our Building Tomorrow Today Campaign.
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Donors with Vison Their support makes the future bright The BUILDING TOMORROW TODAY Campaign has generated tremendous support from our longtime supporters as well as new donors to the Sanford Health Foundation. What follows are just a few of the unique stories about our donors, their philanthropic wishes and their vision for the future of health care.
Elizabeth (Libby) Bushell Elizabeth (Libby) Bushell is recognized as one of the preeminent philanthropists at Sanford Health. For decades Libby has supported numerous projects and programs, including a major contribution to the Children’s Hospital renovation and being the sole supporter of the Baby Friendly Initiative. However, she had always wanted to do something in honor of her father, Dr. Charles Austin Doan. “My dad served as dean of the medical college at Ohio State University for 17 years,” Libby said. “His specialty was hematology. I’ve always wanted to honor his memory with a fund to support hematology services here in Fargo. I am so happy we were able to do so.” With a gift of $50,000 Libby has established the Charles Austin Doan, M.D. Memorial Fund. The earnings from this fund will support hematology services at the Roger Maris Cancer Center forever.
Howalt+Mcdowell Insurance, Inc.
Howalt+McDowell Insurance, headquartered in Sioux Falls, along with its sister company, Great Plains Brokerage, has developed a regional presence in recent years. After supporting Sanford Health in Sioux Falls for many years, the company reached out to the Sanford Health Foundation in Fargo and established this fund with a gift of $250,000. “We wanted to do our part to inspire those in Fargo to share the same philosophy about giving to healthcare as we do,” says Jeff Scherschligt, President.
Elizabeth (Libby) Bushell
foundation.sanfordhealth.org
Dr. Charles Austin Doan
This new fund is designed to support the Building Tomorrow Today Campaign. Earnings from this permanent endowment will provide perpetual support for health care in Fargo.
Serkland Law Firm The Serkland Law Firm, a full service legal firm serving Fargo for more than 120 years, has long been recognized for its philanthropic efforts throughout this region. The attorneys have supported Sanford Health in many ways, for many years, and have now established a permanent endowment fund to benefit one of Sanford’s nationally acclaimed Centers of Excellence with perpetual support. With a gift of $50,000, the Serkland Law Firm Endowed Fund designates the Roger Maris Cancer Center as its beneficiary. “We are delighted to partner with Sanford Health in support of the Roger Maris Cancer Center,” says Jane Dynes, President of the firm. “We wish you continued success in your fundraising endeavors for this very worthy cause.”
Partners of Serkland Law Firm
Hannaher’s, Inc. “Sanford Health is a community treasure in many ways,” says Paul Hannaher, President of Hannaher’s, Inc. “Philanthropy adds so much to patient care, and we jumped at the opportunity to support Sanford Health in Fargo with this new endowment.” Hannaher’s, Inc., one of the region’s leading office furnishings, office equipment and floor covering suppliers, established this endowment fund with a gift of $50,000. The fund will provide perpetual support for the Roger Maris Cancer Center and the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Joe Stanger and Paul Hannaher
Brian and Sheri Mortenson Brian and Sheri Mortenson responded to the Building Tomorrow Today Campaign by establishing a $30,000 gift pledge to help build momentum for the new campus development campaign in Fargo. Their endowed gift will provide perpetual benefit for the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. “Sheri and I are enthused by the plans for development and growth to benefit all the people of the region, and what better way to demonstrate that than through establishment of this endowed fund” says Brian. “Our special interest is children’s health. In gratitude for the good health of our three children, we make this gift in their honor.”
Brian & Sheri Mortenson
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2011
The Fox 107.9 61for61 Radiothon
Raises more than $1 million It was 1998, the year that Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire were trying to break the longstanding record of Roger Maris’ 61 home runs. The Fox 107.9 broadcast team was in a brainstorming session, with 61 on their mind, and came up with an idea for a fundraiser for the Roger Maris Cancer Center. With just one week of planning, the first Fox 107.9 61for61 Radiothon was born and it’s still going strong today. In its 14-year history, The Fox 107.9, Triad Broadcasting and their listeners have raised more than $1 million to support the work of the Roger Maris Cancer Center. The event has helped enhance patient care by supporting research and education, the Palliative Care Unit, and programs ranging from comfort care to survivorship, just to name a few.
For more information on the 61for61 events log on to 61for61.sanfordhealth.org or call (701) 234-6620
This year, the 61for61 Radiothon will honor the 50th anniversary of Roger Maris’ 61st home run. Tune in to The Fox 107.9, September 21-23 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., as DJs Robbie, Dave and Moose broadcast live in front of the Honor Memorial Wall, and take you into the heart of the Roger Maris Cancer Center with stories from patients, their families and staff. Congratulations to The Fox 107.9, Triad Broadcasting, its listeners, 61for61 sponsors, donors and volunteers. You’ve truly helped enhance the patient care experience at the Roger Maris Cancer Center and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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Foundation Focus
foundation.sanfordhealth.org
Left to right: DJs Moose, Dave, Robbie
Against all odds Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Roger Maris’ 61st home run
In 1961, against all odds, Fargo baseball legend and New York Yankee right fielder, Roger Maris, set the major league single season home run record by hitting his 61st home run on the last day of the season in Yankee Stadium. In more than thirty years, no one had come close to breaking the previous record held by the legendary Babe Ruth, but the quiet young man from Fargo had done it. His baseball legacy was established on that fall day. But his legacy goes far beyond that home run. As a family man first and professional athlete second, his legacy shines brightly, setting an example as a devoted father, husband and friend. In 1985 Roger’s life ended too soon in his battle with cancer, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends, and it lives on at the Roger Maris Cancer Center at Sanford Health in Fargo.
This fall, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of that legendary 61st home run, with Against All Odds, on September 22. Please join us and experience this unique fundraising event with the sights and sounds of the ballpark, in your casual attire, and enjoy a delicious meal by Mosaic Foods. Be inspired by the courageous stories of survival and see the impact philanthropy has made at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. For tickets or more information, visit RogerMarisCancerCenterEvent.org or call (701) 234-6246.
Thursday, September 22 Scheels Arena 5 p.m. tours and social 7 p.m. dinner and program RogerMarisCancerCenterEvent.org
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Sanford Health Fargo Region Sanford HealthFoundation Foundation North P.O. Box 2010 Fargo, ND 58122-0302 (701) 234-6246 foundation.sanfordhealth.org
Calendar of Events September
It’s all about cancer Bone Marrow Donor Drive We are working with “Be A Match” to qualify 61 bone marrow donors by September 21. For more information on becoming a bone marrow donor call (701) 234-6292. September 21-23 • 61for61 Radiothon Sunmart parking lot on 25th & 32nd, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Join Robbie, Dave and Moose from The Fox 107.9 as they take you into the heart of the Roger Maris Cancer Center. Visit the honor memorial wall and take part in the silent auction, family fun night and more. All proceeds support the Roger Maris Cancer Center. For more information visit www.61for61.sanfordhealth.org or call (701) 234-6620 September 22 • Against All Odds Scheels Sports Arena Social and tours—5 p.m. Dinner—7 p.m. A classy, casual event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Roger Maris’s 61st home run record. Reserved seating: $100 per person All proceeds benefit the Roger Maris Cancer Center. For more information visit www.rogermariscancercenterevent.org or call (701) 234-6246
September 24• 61for61 Home Run/Walk Sanford Southpointe, 9 a.m. Join us for a 10K or 2-mile competitive run, or 2-mile fun walk, in honor of someone fighting the fight, or in memory of a loved one. Start and finish the race under a balloon arch representing the colors of cancer. All proceeds benefit the Roger Maris Cancer Center. For more information visit www.61for61.sanfordhealth.org or call (701) 234-6620. September 24 • 61for61 FM Crusaders Mystery Ride Join more than 500 motorcycles as they ride from Horace to Sabin. Registration is $25 per rider. If not riding, stop out at 5:30 p.m. to see the bikes arrive, and enjoy a barbecue for $5 per person. All proceeds benefit the Roger Maris Cancer Center. For more information call (218) 979-1035.
October October 27 • RDO Caters Taters for Charity Doublewood Inn, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feast on a one pound potato with your choice of tasty toppings. Order online or call in your order for takeout. All proceeds benefit Sanford Children’s-Fargo. For more information call (701) 526-9626 or visit www.rdocaterstaters.com
Thank you. Programs and services at Sanford Health benefit from the support of readers like you.