Formed in 1988, Glencoe Regional Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity and supporting organization of Glencoe Regional Health (GRH). This tax status allows donor gifts to receive the highest possible charitable tax deduction.
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 GRH 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 GRH 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.
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, recognizing gifts of $1,000 or more
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 totaling $12,000 from the Carl Sanken Scholarship Program
2004 Awarded $100,000 grant for start-up costs associated with the Burichwood Hospice House in Hutchinson
2006 With a $25,687 grant, fully funded Telestroke Equipment for GRH
2008 Helped launch the ConnectCareThrift Store in Glencoe with a grant of $5,000
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: $80,000 for patient-driven leadership to support and equip GRH 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 With a $296,000 grant over two years, fully funded the creation of GRH’s 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 $365,000 grant over three years for 3D Mammography Equipment
2020 Awarded a $240,000 grant over two years for the creation of GRH’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
