Corporate Giving, Collaboration Key to Hospital Campaign

Jul 09, 2019

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In June, William Newton Hospital announced it had successfully reached its fundraising goal of $3 million for the first phase of the Second Century Campaign for the surgical department expansion.

Spurred by a $500,000 challenge gift from Winfield Economic Development, the corporate community has shown a renewed appreciation for the hospital as a pillar for economic development and community well-being. Local corporations and businesses have contributed a total of $635,500 from 16 gifts.

William Newton Healthcare Foundation Director Annika Morris reflected on the funds raised thus far, “The amount of corporate support has been great. Businesses see the value exchange with participating in this campaign.”

This spring, three local pharmacies, RCB Bank, and Powder Valley each presented checks to the William Newton Healthcare Foundation and shared why they joined in the corporate challenge.

Graves Drug co-owner Dared Price, past president and current William Newton Healthcare Foundation board member, contacted the foundation office in early March with an idea to encourage independent pharmacies in Winfield to participate.

He called back later that month and confirmed Graves Drug, Winfield Pharmacy, and Health Center Pharmacy would give a joint gift of $10,000 total over five years.

Price addressed the importance of local healthcare to our rural economy, “When people go to Wichita for care, so does the money. If we can keep people here, using our local hospital, it benefits us all.”

William Newton Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ben Quinton elaborated on Price’s comment, “That’s our goal with everything we do, but especially with our new orthopedic group and expansion in cardiovascular services. Pharmacies, for example, will start filling more scripts.”

Quinton continued, “You never want to see more business because people are hurt or sick. But if they have to come, we want them to come here.”

Speaking to this approach to local healthcare, Winfield Pharmacy owner Kent Vratil shared that the three pharmacies frequently collaborate, “We learn a lot from each other, even though we are competitors. If we can work together to find a solution, it’s better for our community.”

Angela Norton, owner of Health Center Pharmacy concurred, “It’s all about the people.”

Morris praised the three pharmacy owners for their cooperative spirit.

“What we’ve found in the process of doing this campaign is that so many rural hospitals are closing, all around the state. Why is this hospital still standing? Partnerships are a big reason,” Morris commented.

“The joint donation you’ve made to this campaign is a great example of how WNH is successful and what makes our community special.”

RCB Bank donationSupporting the hospital and its foundation since 2011, RCB Bank made a $25,000 corporate gift on top of an annual contribution.

“RCB Bank is extremely community-minded, and we appreciate their commitment to the hospital over the years and to this campaign,” Morris said.

Gregg Conklin, RCB Bank Winfield market president, gave insights behind the decision to increase support for the hospital, “RCB Bank and WNH are alike in that we both do a lot for the community and believe in the importance of each other for community well-being.”

RCB Bank has been closely connected to the campaign through past Winfield Market President Lonnie McCullough’s service on the William Newton Healthcare Foundation board of directors, as well as retired banker Bruce Schwyhart’s role as Second Century Campaign corporate giving chair.

Another local business with a close connection to a campaign volunteer is Powder Valley. The gunpowder and ammunition supplier’s $50,000 corporate gift will honor Second Century Campaign co-chair Paula Radcliff by naming the post-anesthesia care unit in the expanded surgical center after her.

Supportive of the foundation since 2009, three Powder Valley employees shared personal experiences at William Newton Hospital:

“The nursing staff was professional, friendly, and informative. They made us feel at home during the birth of our daughter,” recalled Tiffany Archer.

Valerie Eastman agreed, “We highly recommend WNH’s Family Birthing Center. Tarena Sisk and her team were helpful and friendly during the birth of our two children.”

“We have all been in need of services William Newton Hospital can provide,” said Noel Richardson, Powder Valley co-owner. “It's important for our community to financially support the hospital. This will help ensure our community has the availability to have up-to-date medical services locally.”

If your business is interested in contributing, please contact the William Newton Healthcare Foundation office at 620-222-6275.