The History of Giving

The concept of history is a unique consideration. We often do not think of the things that happen in our personal lives as “history” because we live in the present. But the events of last year are history now. It is unknown if our individual history will be published and taught to thousands of resistant high school students, but it might. As we accept the years, we learn to appreciate what others have done in the past.

The Pratt Health Foundation was established in 1990 when visionary members of the Pratt community saw a need to facilitate Pratt Regional Medical Center through a supporting organization. Over the years the Foundation has been able to provide over $6 million of capital equipment support. But the actual heroes are those who gave. A special segment of people exists that are as passionate about giving as they are about providing medical care. It should be noted that prior to 1994 gifts from the PRMC administrative staff were non-existent.

When the Executive Director position was filled in 1994 a change occurred. It started with a small band of generous PRMC employees who discovered that giving does not have to be dramatic to be significant. A consistent gift adds up to a significant gift. Most would not sit down and write a check to the Foundation for $1,000 or more but they have exceeded that amount by giving a little, a lot. They started giving mainly through payroll deduction in 1994 and have not stopped. Their giving record now spans a period of 16 years, over 416 gifts per person, a total of 2,496 gifts for a total of over $60,000. It is also interesting to note that these legendary givers would be considered hospital management as well. And 100% of all gifts are used to purchase medical equipment for PRMC.

We appreciate your giving whether you give a lot or a little. But you can give a lot by giving a little – consistently. We will share the list of PRMC names, all of which have agreed to be recognized in hopes that others will give like they do. The 16 year givers are: Nancy Bailey, Ken Brown, DeWayne Bryan, Linda Carpenter, Gordon Stofer and Susan Page. Employees giving for 14 years includes: Juanita Belcher, Vickie Cole, and Carolee Hager. There are many other noteworthy PRMC employees who have given generously over the years, but the list is too long for this newsletter.

We also have some donors that give monthly through bank drafts, a method of giving which automatically deducts a specific amount from a checking account once a month. These people too understand that consistent giving adds up to a significant gift. Let us know if you would like to give in this manner, we would be happy to help.

. . . equipping PRMC to be “Simply the Best”

Foundation News

• The Bicycle Safety program received several grants this year.  A Safety grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Education provided new helmets for the participants, the promotional bicycle and supplies.  Additional funds came from Cox Communications, the Salvation Army and the Pratt Pilot Club.  All the funds were used for equipment, supplies or promotional materials.
• Kan-Ed awarded PRMC a grant to install and operate T-1 lines for the health clinics in St. John, Stafford, and Kinsley as well as the hospital.  These lines provide increased capacity for voice and data transmission.  The award will provide new data and communication services in the Clinics and additional data capacity for PRMC saving hundreds of dollars per month.
• The PHF is working with the South Central Community Foundation and the PCC Foundation to develop Planned Giving Seminars for south-central Kansas.   Planned Giving allows people to leave 5% - 20% of their total estate value or inheritance to charitable organizations like the Pratt Health Foundation / Pratt Regional Medical Center.  In addition to the educational seminars for professionals and the public at large, The Foundation offers the services of a free estate-planning counselor, once a month for those who need estate planning assistance.  The professional seminar will be offered in October and will deal with the challenge of Maintaining Family Harmony through estate planning. 

A publication of the Pratt Health Foundation (PHF)
203 S. Main * Pratt, Kansas 67124
( PHF and PRMC are 501(c)3 charitable healthcare organizations.)