New Foundation Combines Two Hospitals
The Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors recently approved the addition of Saint Francis Hospital to the foundation, creating an opportunity for the community to make tax-deductible, charitable donations to both hospitals. The entity will now be known as The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals. The addition was a request from Thomas Health System, Inc. Both hospitals are affiliates of Thomas Health System, Inc.
Prior to the transaction, Saint Francis was a for-profit establishment and could not establish a charitable foundation. As a result, it was not possible for donors to make a tax-deductible, charitable donation to benefit Saint Francis Hospital, its employees and/or patients. But as an affiliate of Thomas Health System, Inc., Saint Francis is a non-profit hospital and can therefore be affiliated with a foundation and accept donations.
The purpose of the new foundation is to raise funds through community support to financially assist the efforts of Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals to further improve the health, education and well-being of the citizens residing in our service area.
Initial Contribution
Gary Sims, Jr. and Brian Sims, owners of Advanced Technical Solutions, had the honor of providing the foundation with its initial donation of $20,000 to establish the Sims Family Endowment. The purpose of the endowment is to provide educational scholarships for the employees of Saint Francis Hospital for the purpose of enhancing their knowledge and skills for patient care.
The check was presented to Mark Grigsby, First Vice President of The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals on January 5, 2011 at a ceremony at Saint Francis Hospital. “We felt fortunate to have two marvelous hospitals providing for the health and well-being of our community,” remarked Gary Sims, Jr. “Establishing this endowment is our modest show of sincere appreciation for the work and dedication delivered by the doctors, nurses and staff who have committed their talents to the service of others.”
For information or inquiries regarding The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals, contact Sandra Zando at 304-766-4340.