Miami Valley Hospital Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Giving
In the dynamic landscape of health care philanthropy, Miami Valley Hospital Foundation stands tall, marking its 40th anniversary of unwavering commitment to advancing the well-being of the community it serves.
In the past four decades, more than $150 million has been provided to the hospital through the Foundation and our donors.
“Philanthropy has always played a crucial role in the success of Miami Valley Hospital since its founding in 1890,” says Jenny Lewis, MBA, CFRE, president and CEO of Miami Valley Hospital Foundation and system vice president of philanthropy at Premier Health. “Throughout the hospital’s early years, every building project or significant medical advancement was made possible by contributions from the public.”
Established in the wake of a nationwide push for hospital Foundations, Miami Valley Hospital Foundation emerged in 1983 as a separate nonprofit 501(c)3 organization to raise funds and awareness for patient programs and services that are beyond the scope of the hospital’s budget.
The first significant campaign of the Foundation was the Second Century Campaign, which constructed the Northwest Wing of the main hospital campus. Jeanne Eickman, who led the Foundation until 2005, played a pivotal role in connecting with donors and laying the groundwork for a legacy of impactful health care initiatives.
During Jeanne’s tenure, the narrative of philanthropy at Miami Valley Hospital reached new heights with the Shaw Emergency and Trauma Center campaign in 2000, marking the largest fundraising effort to date.
“Jeanne knew the community and how to connect with people,” says Jenny. “She was a wonderful leader who made significant contributions to the hospital by shaping the Foundation into what it is today.”
Over the years, the Foundation continued its impactful work through various events and mini campaigns, such as The Valley Classic’s million-dollar drive for the Shaw Emergency Department. The hospital’s growth expanded to include projects like the Southeast Addition Tower at the main campus, the grand opening of Miami Valley Hospital South in 2007, and the Cancer Center, with the Foundation actively supporting each endeavor.
Today, the Foundation continues to support vital programs and services for our patients, such as Emmett’s Place located near the hospital’s NICU; Promise to Hope, which offers support to drug-addicted mothers and babies; the Brethen Center for Surgical Advancement; cancer services; community health through the Mobile Clinic; CareFlight; and many more.
“In celebrating our 40th anniversary, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated donors,” says Jenny. “Your unwavering support has fueled four decades of healing, innovation, and community impact. Together, we’ve written a story of compassion and resilience, and as we reflect on our journey, I am sincerely thankful for each donor who has been a vital chapter in our narrative of inspiring better health.”
In commemorating 40 years of transformative health care philanthropy, Miami Valley Hospital Foundation stands as a testament to the enduring power of community support in shaping a healthier and more resilient future for all.