In 1975, the Pratt County Hospital Board of Directors and the Pratt County Commissioners established the Gifts and Bequests Committee to solicit help and assistance from the public in developing and improving Pratt County Hospital.  The founding board members were:  Fred Kerr, Homer Davault, Richard Royer, Alan Hanson and Nora Blachley.

The Gifts and Bequests Committee was the only fund raising organization of the hospital for many years.  Since its inception, the Committee has provided over $1 million from estate and memorial gifts for the purchase of various kinds of technical medical equipment.

The Festival of Lights program was founded in 1983.  The program was developed to help fund purchases of technical medical equipment for Pratt Regional Medical Center.  During the Christmas season, people can make seasonal contributions, remember family members or recognize those who helped shape their lives.  Contributions of $10 and up will receive appropriate recognition. 

In 1992 the Gifts and Bequests Committee joined the Pratt Health Foundation to continue its purpose of maintaining quality medical care at Pratt Regional Medical Center through technical medical equipment support.  This association gave donors the opportunity to direct their gifts through a 501©3 organization, thereby providing them with tax benefits.

In 2006 the work of the Gifts and Bequests Committee was transferred to the Pratt Health Foundation.  The Foundation will maintain the Festival of Lights Program in honor of those who dedicated their lives to its formation.