Helping Improve
Community Health
Formed in 1988, Glencoe Regional Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity and supporting organization of Glencoe Regional Health. This tax status allows donor gifts to receive the highest possible charitable tax deduction.
Since our founding, we have given back over $2.6 million to our community, to local students pursuing a career in healthcare, and to Glencoe Regional Health. We’re here for health, and we invite you to join us.
The Foundation was formed by a group of committed and visionary community leaders who saw the need and opportunity to provide resources to support the important work of Glencoe Regional Health, beyond its own budget. Our founding Board Members were: Bob Johnson, Charlie Lemke, Mary Ott, Dorothy Smyth, Jerome Streich, and Marge Streich. We are grateful for their vision to create this vehicle for generosity and impact.
The initial focus of the Foundation was fulfilling needs and requests within Glencoe Regional Health submitted by various departments. Our work and impact expanded in 2002 when the Board identified the opportunity to support the next generation of healthcare professionals through scholarships, as well as provide support to nonprofit organization partners working to advance health and wellness in our community.
This snapshot of important organizational milestones, notable grants, and significant estate gifts from donors was first compiled by Glencoe Regional Health’s President and CEO Jon D. Braband, FACHE, who retired from the organization in 2018. It was subsequently updated by founding Board Member Mary Ott and the Foundation Director in 2024.
Foundation Timeline
1988
Friends of Glencoe Area Health Center was formed as a standalone 501(c)(3) public charity to provide resources to further the purposes of Glencoe Area Health Services
1989
Awarded our first grant for the purchase of a cardiac monitor
1993
River of Life fundraising strategy and donor display were developed
1997
Received bequest from Carl Sanken, a farmer from the Biscay area
2001
Created the Carl Sanken Scholarship Program as a way to honor Mr. Sanken
2002
Awarded our first scholarships from the Carl Sanken Scholarship Program
2004
Awarded a grant for start-up costs associated with the Burichwood Hospice House in Hutchinson
2006
Fully funded a grant for Telestroke Equipment for Glencoe Regional Health Services
2008
Helped launch the ConnectCare Thrift Store in Glencoe with a grant
2011
Received bequest from Don Hatz, a farmer and postal clerk from the Glencoe area; Received notification of bequest from Geraldine Tews
2012
Awarded first grant in memory of Geraldine Tews for patient-driven leadership to support and equip Glencoe Regional Health Services’ physicians and leaders; Re-named scholarship program to Sanken-Hatz Scholarship Program
2013
Dropped “Friends” from name to become Glencoe Regional Health Services Foundation and adopted a new logo
2016
Fully funded the creation of Glencoe Regional Health Services’ award-winning Wound Care Center
2019
Glencoe Regional Health Services updated its name to Glencoe Regional Health, and the Foundation aligned to become publicly known as Glencoe Regional Health Foundation; Awarded a grant for 3D Mammography Equipment
2020
Awarded a grant for the creation of Glencoe Regional Health’s Prairie Trail
2021
Received full access to bequest from Geraldine Tews
2023
Transitioned to supporting organization status and updated organizational Bylaws accordingly
2024
Celebrated $1 million in scholarships awarded since inception; Adopted new logo
Contact
If you’re interested in getting involved with the GRH Foundation, please contact me!
Liz Cheney, CFRE
Foundation Director
[email protected]
Direct: 320-864-7065