Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Announces 2011 Officers and New Board Director

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation recently announced the election of officers for the Foundation and one new member of the Foundation Board of Directors.

Officers for the current fiscal year are Kevin Bailey, President; Shirley Yager, Vice President; Debbie Iverson, Secretary; and Rick Rossa, Treasurer.

One new board member was named for a three year term, Mary Ludemann, "I am honored to be asked to serve on the foundation.  It is a great time to become a part of an organization that is accomplishing so much for the Sheridan community and its health needs."        More Information

The Helmsley Charitable Trust Funds Treatment Equipment at the Hospital’s new Welch Cancer Center

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that it has received $3,009,000 in funding over three years from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to assist with the purchase of a new linear accelerator and CT treatment planning equipment at the Welch Cancer Center.

The new equipment is part of the $8.4 million dollar project which the Hospital’s Board of Trustees approved in February 2011.  With support from The Helmsley Charitable Trust, Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Welch Cancer Center project seeks to provide state-of-the-art cancer diagnosis and treatment options to residents of Sheridan County, and the surrounding area, as well as southern Montana.

According to hospital Chief Executive Officer Mike McCafferty, “We are extremely grateful for the support of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust in helping fund rural cancer care.  The availability of these new technologies will enhance the high quality of care our patients already receive from physicians and staff, and will allow patients to remain closer to home--here in Sheridan with the support of their families and loved ones.”  More Information

The William and Lorene Welch Foundation Makes a Significant Pledge to the Welch Cancer Center

        The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that the William F. and Lorene W. Welch Foundation pledged $250,000 to support the new Welch Cancer Center project. 

        Mike McCafferty, Hospital Administrator stated, “William and Lorene Welch were solid supporters of Sheridan Memorial Hospital when they were alive and they left a legacy which continues to help make Sheridan a strong community today.  With their initial gift twenty-six years ago in 1985, total gifts from Mr. & Mrs. Welch and their Foundation have exceeded $1,285,000 million to Sheridan Memorial Hospital.  The community certainly owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Welch for setting healthcare as a priority.”  More Information

Griffith and Watt Foundations Lead Donors for the new Welch Cancer Center Project

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced that it has secured gifts and pledges totaling $2,460,000 for the new Sheridan Memorial Hospital Welch Cancer Center.  Construction on the new center is anticipated to begin later this year.  When completed, it will provide much needed space for patients and their families during their diagnosis and throughout treatment.   More Information

Hospital Foundation's Employee Partner Program Reaches 400 Members!

Last week, at an event to recognize and show appreciation to hospital employees, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation reached a milestone when the 400th Partner signed up for a unique employee giving program. Over ninety percent of full-time hospital staff members now participate in this payroll deduction program which directly gives back to a selected hospital project.

The Partner Program was implemented by the Foundation in 2004 to encourage hospital employees to become Foundation members and provide financial support to the Hospital. To be a "Partner" the employees agree to have a minimum of one dollar deducted from their salary each pay period. 

Each year in December, the Employees vote on how the money accumulated over the past year is to be spent to support the Hospital.  Since inception, over 640 individuals have contributed nearly $140,000 to the hospital.  The funds have been used to support the Emergency Department Project, hospital cafeteria improvements, Intensive Care Unit improvements, and most recently the Digital Mammography Equipment Project. 

According Ada Kirven, foundation director, “Our hospital’s employees are involved and such a proactive group.  Not only do they provide excellent patient and family care everyday, they also choose to support healthcare for our community through their gifts to the Foundation.  Great patient care is our top priority and this program supports that vision of service excellence.”

Hospital Foundation Benefit Drives Digital Mammography Campaign Over The $250,000 Goal

Saturday, April 17, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation held its 9th Annual Benefit at the Sheridan Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Over 350 attendees and sponsors of the event helped to raise the remaining $22,000 of a $250,000 campaign for new digital mammography equipment at the Hospital.

According to Hospital Foundation Chairman Gene Davis, “The Foundation wanted to try a new benefit format this year. We are pleased to have had such a positive response to the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall and the fine cuisine prepared by the hospital’s Big Horn Mountain Catering. Healthcare continues to be a priority and Sheridan came out to support digital mammography and cancer care at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for which we are extremely grateful. We thank our many sponsors, those who purchased tickets and especially First Interstate Bank and First Interstate BancSystem Foundation for their generous support.”

Ada Kirven, hospital foundation executive director added, “The event was a great evening with such incredible entertainment! Everyone loved hearing Alycia Duprey-Vince and her trio along with the Sheridan College Jazz Band under the direction of Dave Knutson. The highlight for me was recognizing the community effort to bring digital mammography equipment to our hospital, and the energetic committee which organized and planned the fund raising activities to get us to the $250,000 goal which was completed this evening. Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered throughout the last six months.”

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Announces its 8th Annual Benefit

The Teka Brock Band and The Craft Brothers

Saturday, April 11, 7:30 pm., Reception at King’s Museum 6-7 pm

Tickets on sale now at the WYO Theater Box Office

$25 Performance/$50 Performance and Reception

Call the WYO Theater Box Office at 307-672-9084 for ticket information or visit www.wyotheater.com.

This year the Foundation is pleased to welcome two incredibly talented local performing groups for its 8th Annual Benefit, The Teka Brock Band and The Craft Brothers.  There will be a benefit reception at King’s Museum catered by Sheridan Memorial Hospital Culinary staff.  The performance will begin at 7:30 pm at the WYO.

Teka Brock has been singing all of her life along with being a rodeo star, construction worker and coal miner.  She moved to Story in 2008 and has organized The Teka Brock Band which features Brock as the lead vocalist and on guitar, Tom Lulias on steel/dobros, Jarod Judd on bass, Chris Knodel as lead guitarist, Jacquie Anderson singing harmony and playing percussion and Kevin Coleman on the drums.  The band has opened for Jalan Crossland, Chubby Checker, Gary Small and the Coyote Brothers and was featured at the WYO Theater for WYO Rodeo kickoff.

The Craft Brothers are no secret talent in Sheridan!  They grew up here and have been entertaining local audiences for 20 years.  Known for their wacky comedy and characters Mitch, Dave, and JT Craft blend natural three-part harmonies, backed up by bluegrass guitar, fiddle, doghouse bass, and mandolin.  The boys write their own songs and pick cowboy, bluegrass, and folk music with the best of them. 

According to Ada Kirven, Foundation Executive Director, “Attending the pre-performance reception at King’s Saddlery has become a tradition for many who come to the benefit each year.  People gather to mingle and sample spectacular hors d’oeuvres prior to walking over to the WYO Theater for the show.  This year the food will be prepared by Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Executive Chef Andy Irion and the Nutritional Services staff.  Dave Munsick will also join us for some singing and guitar pickin!   It’s a fun evening and great way to support the hospital.”

Funds raised at this year’s Benefit will support Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Diabetes Education and Support Program.  Diabetes is a disease on the rise in our community.  When indicators are caught early and managed well, the patient will see the benefit.  That is the whole basis of teaching patients and their families how to take the best care of themselves, according to Kirven.  If you would like more information on the SMH Diabetes Education Program, call Patty Bell-Lewis or Esther Reese at (307)674-1632. 

Hospital Employee Partners Provide Over $25,000 to Support Sheridan Memorial Hospital!

               Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) Employee Partners voted to give over $25,000 to support a future upgrade of the Intensive Care Unit.  The funds were accumulated this past year from generous payroll deductions made by 388 Employee Partners.

              The voting took place at the Fifth Annual Employee Partner Celebration at the Hospital on December 16th.  In addition to the voting activity, Partners were treated to a breakfast provided by the SMH Foundation and prepared by the staff of SMH Nutritional Services and SYSCO Food Services from Billings, Montana. 

              Also, drawings were held for $1,600 in cash prizes. The top cash prize of $500 was won by Joana Onkka of the SMH Environmental Services Department. The cash was provided by voluntary contributions from SMH leadership and management staff. 

            The Employee Partner Program was created over five years ago as a way to further involve hospital employees in Foundation activities.  It is unique because not only do the participants make payroll deductions to support the Hospital, they also decide by election how the funds are to be used.  Since its inception, the Partner Program has generated almost $100,000 and has funded projects such as the Emergency Department Expansion, Cafeteria Improvements, and the Intensive Care Unit.

Hospital Foundation Announces New Executive Director for 2009

               Ada Kirven, an eleven year staff member of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation has been named as the new Executive Director effective January 1, 2009.

               Kirven will replace current director, Tom Ringley, who was elected as Sheridan County Commissioner and has resigned effective December 31, 2008 in order to assume his new duties.

              Kirven is a veteran of two major Foundation capital campaigns, the new Patient Wing and the new Emergency Department, which raised almost $5.5 million in support of Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

               Kirven was also heavily involved in the creation of a $350,000 Nursing Scholarship Endowment and the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Employee Partner Program in which more than eighty percent of hospital employees provide financial support to the Hospital through a payroll deduction program.

              In addition to her participation in fund-raising efforts, Kirven has served as the Foundation Administrative Assistant and her current position as Coordinator.

              Kirven has a record of community involvement. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College, is a member of Rotary International, and an affiliate director on the Sheridan-Johnson Community Foundation.   Ada, her husband Brian and their two daughters Audrey and Olivia live in Banner.

              Gene Davis, the President of the Foundation Board of Directors, said of Kirven’s appointment:  “The Board of Directors is very pleased that Ada has accepted this appointment.  She has been an invaluable part of the Foundation for many years and knows the operation from top to bottom and we are very confident in her abilities and experience.  We look forward to working with Ada to support Sheridan Memorial Hospital.”

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Training at Sheridan Memorial Hospital

A Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification course took place at SMH through a partnership with St. Vincent Healthcare on October 16 and 17. The team from St.Vincent’s brought their simulation babies to enhance the quality of education of this program. The simulation babies are an interactive means of accurately showing realistic symptoms of a pediatric patient in severe distress. The immediate interventions of the health care team are then reflected and evaluated through this high tech equipment which provides immediate feedback.

This learning opportunity is invaluable in a rural environment where critically injured pediatric patients are high risk but not common. The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation has graciously provided the funds for the hospital to purchase a sim-newbie which will allow us to continue this type of training for other pediatric courses such as NRP, Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course and future PALS classes. With this equipment, Sheridan Memorial Hospital will impact pediatric education throughout North Eastern Wyoming.   

According to Clinical Educator Nancy Hooge, “This type of training is very specialized and Sheridan Memorial Hospital is pleased to coordinate programs such as this for Sheridan County.” 

Karen Clift and Spencer Bohren - 7th Annual Foundation Benefit
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 7:30 pm., Reception at King’s Museum 6-7 pm
Tickets on sale Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at the WYO Theater Box Office
25 Performance/$50 Performance and Reception.  More Information

The Sheridan County Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today the receipt of a grant of $7,500 from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Foundation.
More Information

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today the award of nursing scholarships to Sheridan College students.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that the Joseph H. and Arlene Watt Foundation has committed $500,000 to renovate, expand and reequip the present Dialysis Center at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation has provided $21,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Laboratory for purchase of a new replacement lab courier vehicle.

With a donation of $19,000, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has now given over one quarter of a million dollars to the hospital. Auxiliary President, Jeanine Germain, presented the checks to the Hospital Foundation at the annual Auxiliary meeting on Friday, February 2. The funds are earmarked for the Transitional Care Unit (TCU), Women’s Health and sponsorship of the Foundation’s Annual Benefit this spring.

Mr. Gene Davis, Sheridan, Wyoming, has been selected to become a member of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Directors.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that it has received a $25,000 pledge from the MDU Resources Foundation in Bismarck, North Dakota for the Emergency Department Expansion Project.

With a donation of $25,000, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary put the finishing touch on a year-long $2.4 million dollar fund-raising campaign for the $4.9 million dollar Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Expansion Project.

A recent $25,000 gift from the Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation put the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Emergency Department Expansion fund raising campaign within striking distance of its $2.4 million goal.

For the past year, hospital employees have been signing up to join the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation Employee Partner Program. On October 28, a milestone was reached when Allen Ackerley, a member of the Hospital Environmental Services staff, became the two hundredth employee to join the program.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation recently announced the election of new officers for the Foundation and new members of the Foundation Board of Directors.

The John and Helen Ilsley Family Foundation recently presented a gift of $10,000 to support the Emergency Department Expansion Project.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that it is the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the Kiewit Companies Foundation to support the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Expansion Project.

Thanks to a recent $25,000 pledge from the EYAS Foundation of Sheridan, the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation is within $180,000 of achieving its $2.4 million fund raising goal.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation came $10,000 closer to meeting its $2.4 million fund raising goal for the Emergency Department Expansion Project when a grant for that amount was recently received from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation in Cicero, Illinois.

The Sheridan County Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that it has received a grant of $15,000 from the S. K. Johnston Family Fund through the Wyoming Community Foundation.

Kennecott Energy Company (KEC), Gillette, Wyo., donated $10,000 to support the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Expansion Project.  The announcement was made today by the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation.

A milestone was reached on the last day of 2004 when the Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation gifted $25,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Expansion Project.

The Joe F. and Roberta Napier Foundation has pledged $75,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of the $4.9 million expansion of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

Janis Johnson, President of the Sheridan American Legion Auxiliary, recently presented the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation and Dr. John Stamato with a $500 check to be used in support of programs at the Welch Cancer Center.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that Foundation Employee Partners voted to donate $10,000 to support the Emergency Department Project.

Sheridan State Bank has recently pledged $15,000 to the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of the $4.9 million expansion of the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today the receipt of a $250,000 grant from the Joe and Arlene Watt Foundation.  The funds are to be used for the Emergency Department Expansion Project.

The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today that Paulette Kucera, owner of P K Custom, located at 757 N. Gould, has donated a custom made piece of stained glass art to the Foundation for display in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

Tom Warnke of Sheridan is famed for his dioramas and one, "Cheyenne Hunting Camp," has found its way to Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The diorama is a replica of the Wolf Mountains area and displays Cheyenne warriors on a hunt.

The Sheridan County Memorial Hospital Foundation announced today its receipt of two donations totaling $3,500 from the Sheridan branch office of Smith Barney.

The Sheridan County Memorial Hospital Foundation announced the award of a $65,000 grant to Sheridan Memorial Hospital for the purchase of a Patient Education Teacher (P.E.T.) Program.

After twenty-eight years of support with gifts totaling over $4.9 million to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, the Vernon S. and Rowena W. Griffith Foundation continues to lead the way in support of the Hospital.  The Griffith Foundation Board of Directors has pledged $1.5 million as the lead major gift to build a new Emergency Department at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.