Community National Bank Donates $90k to William Newton Hospital

Apr 09, 2019

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Community National Bank and Trust employees put William Newton Hospital closer to its phase one Second Century Campaign fundraising goal in an extraordinary way. Through a corporate gift, individual employee contributions, and estate gifts, the bank has given $90,000.

The hospital has set a goal to raise $3 million by May of this year and is now just $300,000 away from its phase one fundraising target.

“Everybody here at the bank cares about our hospital. Some of us were even born there,” quipped Community National Bank and Trust Regional President Mike Mildfelt.

In speaking to bank staff about this remarkable effort, Mildfelt reinforced the purpose behind such a contribution, “The community support you provide lays a foundation for physicians to practice here and for the hospital to provide quality care – whether it’s scheduled or emergency. We need this hospital. I can’t thank you enough.”

The bank’s employee-wide approach was in direct response to Winfield Economic Development’s $500,000 challenge gift towards the Second Century Campaign. At the hospital’s groundbreaking ceremony in August of 2018 for the surgical department expansion, Winfield Economic Development board member Rodger Steffen announced the pledge made by the board, which also includes Craig Duncan, Jill Long, and Greg Thompson.

“Our board’s appreciation for William Newton Hospital’s role in our community has grown exponentially. This challenge gift was designed to diminish any potential of taking our community hospital for granted,” Steffen expressed. “Since less than a third of Kansas hospitals do not receive tax support, WNH is one of very few that operates based on the pursuit of excellence rather than in response to financial hardship.”

The challenge encourages local businesses to renew their appreciation for the vital role William Newton Hospital plays in our community, such as providing jobs and economic development, delivering excellence in healthcare services, and contributing to overall community well-being. Though brick-and-mortar expansion is an immediate accomplishment, the overarching goal has become to foster widespread recognition of William Newton Hospital’s impact on the community as it nears a century of providing care. Mildfelt was one such community member empowered to call the William Newton Healthcare Foundation office in response to the challenge gift. In late December 2018, he reached out with the idea to leverage the bank’s gift to invite employees to participate in supporting their local hospital as well.

Bruce Schwyhart, chair of the campaign’s corporate committee, noted, “Mike’s leadership in CNB’s employee-wide gift is inspiring. As a former William Newton Healthcare Foundation board chair, Mike knows the value and importance of this campaign.” Schwyhart paired with Craig Duncan to visit Community National Bank and Trust employees to present the rationale for support. Schwyhart and the committee encourage all corporations in the communities served by William Newton Hospital to invite a representative from Winfield Economic Development or the Second Century Campaign corporate committee to visit with leadership or employees.

Rodger Steffen also responded to Community National Bank and Trust’s gift, “We are very pleased to see how Mike Mildfelt and CNB responded to WED’s challenge gift. WED hopes all corporations might answer the call to support our hospital.”

“The response from CNB employees has been tremendous,” said Annika Morris, William Newton Healthcare Foundation Director. “It affirms the respect William Newton Hospital has in our community and lends to an increased understanding of the hospital’s value and far-reaching impact.”

Morris said estate gifts from Community National Bank and Trust employees are also supporting a $1 million anonymous challenge gift for the newly established William Newton Hospital Heritage Society. The society includes those who designate the hospital as a beneficiary in their estate plans.

"While the hospital receives no tax support, William Newton Hospital relies on good business practices and philanthropic support,” stressed Morris. “Your support enables WNH to have resources to grow in excellence and provide a sustainable future to serve our community in so many ways.”

If you or your business would like to participate in the Winfield Economic Development corporate challenge, please call the William Newton Healthcare Foundation office at 620-222-6275.