A letter from our Chairman:
Dear Fellow Community Members,
As we move into a new year, I'd like to take
this opportunity to thank you for all that
you contributed to the Barton Foundation
in 2012. The Foundation had an incredible
year because of your generosity – whether
you donated your time, talent, or dollars – we can't thank you enough. Every day we're
moving closer to achieving our vision:
"To positively impact the health of everyone
in our community by providing the financial
resources necessary to fulfill Barton
Health's mission."
I'm happy to report we set a fundraising record for the Foundation's
21st Annual Gala during the Festival of Trees and Lights in December.
Achieving this result during such challenging economic times is
something of which we can all be proud. The Gala honored Dr. Paul Fry II as the 2012 Spirit of
Philanthropy Award winners. The recipient philanthropy is – demonstrating devotion for humanity day in and
day out. Their service to improve the health of the Tahoe community
perfectly aligns with the Foundation's mission to ensure everyone in our region has access to quality health care.
We have a tremendous year ahead for the Barton Foundation– continuing our support for the hospital’s high priority initiatives
around wellness, orthopedic excellence, cardiology, the community clinic expansion, quality and patient satisfaction and
state-of-the-art health care technology to name a few.
Please continue to stay engaged with the Foundation and support us
in our cause to inspire philanthropy for the health our community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, have a healthy 2013!
Best Regards,
Julie Regan
Chairman, Board of Trustees
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Board of Trustees:
Officers
- Chairperson: Bob Heffernan
- Vice Chairperson: Ryan Ritchie
- Secretary/Treasurer: Mary Bittner, R.N, MPA, DNP, CENP
Trustees
- Karen Conant
- Karen Foster
- Nancy Harrison
- Brian Hogan
- Melissa Jester
- Ken Jillson
- Ann Jones
- Greg Klick
- Katie Long
- Angela Moore
- Kim Montooth-Welker
- Dan Norman, MD
- Chris Proctor
- Mike Riley
- Diane Roeser-Kinney
- Sean Sweeney
- John Williams
Staff
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Our History:
2010 marked the 20th anniversary of the Barton Foundation. Since our inception in 1990, individuals, community leaders, and businesses have partnered with the Foundation to help Barton Health change and save lives.
Along the way, what started as Barton Memorial Hospital in the early 1960s has grown into a health care system with locations on both sides of the state line, clinics at area ski resorts, a community clinic, a 48 bed skilled nursing facility, and offering services and programs designed to meet the medical needs of every member of the family.
Our donors have made extraordinary contributions and since the inception of the Foundation in 1990, more than $6 million has been raised to ensure that state-of-the-art medical care is available right here in our community.
A Philanthropy Timeline…
1960
Long before the Barton Foundation, a group of South Lake Tahoe community members united with Dr. James Whitley, the first yearround physician in Lake Tahoe, to raise the money needed to build a hospital. A Board of Directors, the woman’s Auxiliary, and a community campaign group all formed to help bring the vision of a hospital to reality.
1963
The fundraising efforts proved successful with pledges totaling $422,011. In addition, state funding through the Hill Burton Fund provided another $598,010. The Max C. Fleishman Foundation also stepped forward with $103,000 to purchase equipment. The sisters Alva Barton and Faye Ledbetter donated the 10-acre parcel of land for construction on their parent’s, Ouida and Bill Barton, behalf. The hospital opened in November 1963 with 38 licensed beds, 18 physicians, 5 dentists, and about 20 employees.
1990
By this time, the hospital was licensed for 81 beds, with a staff of 59 physicians, 15 dentists, and 320 employees. The hospital was focusing on technology, services, and medical staff.
Barton Memorial Hospital Foundation was launched and its Board of Trustees was formed. Bill Ledbetter was selected as the first chairperson. The purpose of this organization is “...to assure, through funding, the ability to maintain the highest level of health and wellness care in the communities served by Barton Memorial Hospital facilities, independent from outside control.”
1991
The first fund-raising drive in the fall of 1991 was for Charter Heartbeat. The Trustees spent a year promoting and selling the Foundation and its purpose. The success of the Charter Heartbeat drive provided $130,000 and a solid base from which the Barton Memorial Hospital Foundation could grow.
The dinner dance, then known as the Auxiliary’s Barton Ball, made its debut in 1991 as a way to recognize the Charter Heartbeat donors. After two years, the Barton Auxiliary graciously transferred it to the Barton Foundation. Since its inception, the event, now titled “The Gala,” has raised more than $994,000.
1993
The Foundation was able to provide Barton Memorial Hospital the first $10,000 grant for an innovative music and environmental design program. Funding was donated by the late Mrs. May Chester. This program was the start of the Foundation’s interest in making the hospital a warm and healing place to visit.
In 1993, under the direction of Executive Director Linda Thompson, the Foundation launched its first capital campaign to fund the expansion of the hospital. Through generous community support and involvement over a 3-year period, $700,000 was raised.
Barton Hospital continued to plan ahead and address the ever-changing health care field. In 1993, ground breaking took place to construct a 60,000 square foot building to house the current patient care areas, surgery, emergency and medical imaging. The construction provided additional space not only for the increased outpatient services, but allowed Barton to open up a 48 bed long term nursing care unit, which was desperately needed in South Lake Tahoe.
1994
Art Committee Chairperson Bill Ledbetter and his committee launched another project in support of environmental design. Through the creative efforts of many local artists, the committee selected 100 pieces of art for permanent placement in the hospital. In addition to this program, visitors today can also enjoy the gallery provided by the Tahoe Art League, located in the Snowflake Lobby.
1995
The first annual Barton Foundation Golf Tournament was held at Genoa Lakes Golf Course. The first years were spearheaded by Trustee Martha Barneson with support from Jeff Dingman, grandson of the late Margaret Park Pruett. Since its inception the event has raised more than $520,000 for Hospice services and the Endowment Fund.
1997
Emerald Bay Trading Co. partnered with the Foundation for the “Special Tradition” Christmas party for families. This event continued until 2003 where it moved to the Heavenly Village and has now evolved into this year’s first annual Festival of Trees and Lights.
1998
The Ledbetter Play Area and Olson Play Room opened at the Hospital giving children and families a home-like environment in which to play, read, and relax.
2001
The Foundation gave $100,000 to Barton Health to fund the new Emergency Room Helipad which facilitates care flights outside the area in emergencies.
2002
Thanks in large part to Martha Barneson’s elk meatloaf, the Barton Foundation received a very generous gift of $231,000 from Bill and Ruth Hanan who owned a home at the Lake. $131,000 of the funds went to support the Healing Design project and the balance benefitted the Endowment.
2004
Barton Foundation hosted its first annual Wine Tasting Auction at Edgewood Tahoe. Past vintners include; Flora Springs, Markham Vineyards, Freemark Abbey, and Robert Stemler. Since its inception this event has raised more than $128,000 for the Endowment. The board decidedly accepted the task of fundraising for a program called “Healing Design”. The concept is to transform the typical hospital environment from one of white walls, hospital sights and sounds to one of tranquility and healing. To date, the Foundation has given the hospital more than $260,000 to support healing design and it remains a “pet project” of the Foundation today.
2005
The Foundation hosted its first ever bereavement camp serving children between 7-14 years of age who have lost a loved one. The two-day camp is free of charge and includes a mix of fun and healing activities for the kids to enjoy. In 2009, we hosted 24 campers and we plan to make this an annual event.
2006
Ethel Mae Haldan donated $200,000 to fund the Family Birthing Center. The remodel of this area of the hospital includes private birthing suites and spa-like environments. It will be completed in February 2010.
2007
The Foundation granted over $20,000 to Barton Employees through its Friend in Need Program. Most of these gifts were to victims of the Angora Fire.
2008
In 2008, the Ledbetter Family pledged $90,000 to develop a garden adjacent to the new Rehabilitation Center and Skilled Nursing Facility entrances. In memory of William, Beverlee, and Erica Ledbetter the Healing Garden includes a soothing waterfall, benches, paths, and a mini-labyrinth to provide guests, staff, and patients a scenic place to reflect.
2009
The Barton Foundation awarded nearly $23,000 in Barton Health Grants to provide funding to programs and organizations that benefit those communities that are underserved and/or can have the greatest impact on the health of our community at large. The grants were given at the first annual Philanthropy Day Celebration on November 5th.
The Family Birthing Center remodel is now complete, after several years of planning and hard work. The Family Birthing Center now offers single-room maternity care in beautiful, freshly decorated rooms which include new sleeper sofas to accommodate family members; birthing tubs in some rooms; flat screen televisions; and a new Infant Security System.
The Barton Foundation embarked on a three-year campaign to increase awareness about and raise funds for the Barton Community Clinic. Proceeds from the Festival of Trees and Lights, The Gala and donations from the American Century Championship/NBC resulted in a total donation of $130,000 to the Barton Community Clinic and the health of the uninsured and under-insured in our area.
Philanthropy is defined as the “love of man kind” and through the years, our community has shown through its actions and support that we truly do care about our neighbors. Almost 50 years ago, philanthropy was the seed that inspired our hospital and which grew to become Barton Health. This same passion to serve others is what started the Barton Foundation and it still motivates us today. We are deeply committed to improving the health of the South Lake Tahoe area and to moving Barton Health into the future. We are deeply indebted to the businesses and individuals who have offered their support – they have truly made a difference in the lives of so many people. We are so very thankful for their support.
2010
The Barton Foundation awarded more than $26,000 in Barton Health Grants. Recipients included organizations such as the Lake Tahoe Children’s Dental Coalition which provided for health education for local families; the We Can! program which inspires area youth to eat right and exercise; Bijou Community School for their Walk-a-Thon and playground equipment, and many more.
This year also marked two more “firsts” at the Festival of Trees and Lights. The Tahoe Emergency Physicians funded a Teddy Bear Hospital offering free bears to children 12 and under and the opportunity to tell real Barton physicians and nurses what injury their bear had so they could fix them up. It was a real hit and now is a Festival tradition. The Festival also included a Barton only night that was wildly successful with the staff and their families.
Due to the generosity of our donors Barton was able to raise more than $600,000 in a tough economic climate. Some of the projects funded in 2010 included Fetal monitors in the Family Birthing Center, Privacy Curtains for the ICU, ER Base station and mobile radios for area ambulances, and Disney Service Excellence Training for all Barton employees.
2011
The Barton Golf Tournament saw its first hole in one! The golf tournament raised nearly $24,000 for the Barton Community Health Endowment – some of that thanks to our lucky hole in one winner of $10,000 who graciously donated back half of his winnings!
The Festival of Trees and Lights saw a whopping 3,600 visitors and our income from that grew proportionately to $54,000. The Gala was also a huge success selling out in mid-November and honoring three very special area physicians Dr. Paul Rork, Dr. Greg Bergner, and Dr. Brooks Martin with the Spirit of Philanthropy Award.
The Barton Foundation gave almost $40,000 to fund programs that benefit the health of our community including Bereavement Camp for kids 7-14, Diabetes Camp, and $25,000 in Barton Health Grants were also funded in 2011. An additional $91,959 went to hospital needs such as a new Skilled Nursing sound system, the Friend in Need Employee Assistance Program, and Custom Whiteboards for patient rooms.
2012
With the Community Clinic remodel going full steam ahead, it was time for the Foundation to concentrate on other projects within the hospital. True to our roots, we focused on healing design and patient care. The Neal Olson Playroom was completely redone in fresh bright colors, with new carpet, paint, murals, and furniture. Hospital employees donated books to complete the space. The 2nd floor waiting room was also redone and now features an computer station so families can keep in touch while their loved ones receive the very best care.
The Foundation canceled the Wine Event as it was time for “something new” and instead continued to focus on the Festival which raised funds for the Emergency Department’s Level III trauma center designation. The event had a 6% increase in visitors, welcomed more than 600 children from the South Shore for field trip visits, and approximately 90 needy families in our area were admitted free of charge thanks to the generosity of our donors.
The Gala of course was a huge success with 385 people in attendance! The room was decorated in white and silver and we honored long-time South Shore physician Paul “Papa” Fry. It was a great evening raising more than $55,000 for the Trauma Center and more than $75,000 for the Community Health Endowment.
All in all 2012 was a year to be proud of the Barton Foundation donated $334,000 to the hospital, $24,000 to the community through Barton Health Grants to and raised more than $238,000 all thanks to the generosity of our donors.
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