This is a transformational time for Winter Haven Hospital and the communities it serves. In effect a renaissance in the East Polk healthcare delivery system is occurring - the establishment of the new Bostick Heart Center, creation of the hospital’s new JCAHO accredited Stroke Center, pursuit of hospital excellence designation via “magnet status” recognition of the Regency Medical Center as one of the best Obstetrical and Neonatal Centers in the U.S., and new state-of-the-art facilities coming to fruition all underscore the dramatic change that is taking place. These activities are testament to Winter Haven Hospital’s commitment to the patients we care for.

From the Mid-Florida Medical Services Foundation’s perspective these are the dynamics that are driving increased community philanthropy and involvement with our not-for-profit health service organization. As we have said before, it is an exciting time to be associated with the Hospital.

In support of these initiatives the Foundation is pleased to report our “Make Sure Your Heart is in the Right Place” major gifts campaign has to date received gifts and pledges in excess of $4,000,000. Foundation Trustees and staff are currently working with regional philanthropic leaders to secure several additional seven figure gifts for the campaign. Substantial campaign gifts have already been received from Mr. Guy Bostick, the Swain Family, Larry Tucker, the Ingram Family, the Sweet Family and the Winter Haven Hospital Auxiliary which has recently completed its $500,000 pledge. Our thanks goes to these visionary and generous individuals.

As Spring draws to a close Foundation Trustees wish to thank the Colorado Boxed Beef Company for facilitating the R.D. Saterbo Memorial Golf Tournament. Held again at the prestigious “Top 100” Mountain Lake Golf Club. The event was sold out and helped to raise thousands of dollars for this years Annual Fund Campaign. Thanks to all our players and sponsors who have continued to make the R.D. Saterbo Memorial Tournament East Polk’s most prestigious golf event and a resounding success for Winter Haven Hospital patients.

Joining the R.D. Saterbo tournament this year was the “100 Holes for Stroke Prevention” golf outing at Lake Region Golf and Country Club. Foundation friends Pete Cassidy, Randy Clark, Joe Jensen, and Dwain Hughes played 100 Holes of Golf from dawn to dusk asking their family and business associates to underwrite their efforts. Their work produced $30,000 for Winter Haven Hospital’s Stroke Center patients. Thanks again gentlemen!

Specific giving to the Foundation Annual Fund Campaign is at an all time high. Increased community and hospital employee giving has delivered over $500,000 in un-restricted funds to hospital patients since the fund was established three years ago. Special thanks go to the Lowenstein family for their continued leadership giving to the fund.

Foundation scholarship grants continue to be made available to future East Polk healthcare professionals. Thanks to the Rynerson Family who continue to build the corpus of their endowed nursing scholarship fund. Thanks also to the Acker Family who are investing in the future of healthcare professionals who will one day work at Winter Haven Hospital and thanks again to the Winter Haven Hospital Auxiliary which launched its endowed scholarship fund with the Foundation this year. Naming a permanently endowed scholarship fund is a magnificent way to leave a perpetual legacy and help deserving students far into the future. Call the Foundation to find out how you can start one.

Entering the summer months finds Foundation Trustees and staff beginning to plan for the 17th Annual Fall Gala. Last years Gala raised an all time high of $375,000 with the Coasters, Drifters, and Platters leading the celebration of the establishment of the new Bostick Heart Center.

This years Gala is set for Friday, November 17th at Nora Mayo Hall. The celebration theme will continue with the “60’s” bands, “the Swinging Medallions”, and the “the Tams” playing favorite hits from this era. Mark your calendar, this signature black tie event has been sold out for the last two years.

To those individuals and organizations who have not yet joined us in making an investment in our community’s access to world class healthcare, we invite you, to find out how you can make a difference. Call the Foundation at 863-291-6732.

Sincerely,

Richard Straughn
Chairman, Mid-Florida Medical Services Foundation