From the Executive Director

Welcome to our Spring 2022 issue of Elevations! 

This is our fourth issue of the magazine, as we introduced the inaugural issue just prior to the arrival of the pandemic.  We have received a great deal of positive feedback regarding this magazine, and we certainly appreciate your comments.  The goal is to keep our many donors and friends informed and up to date about the Barton Health Foundation, as well as the role that philanthropy plays in the overall health of our community.

In addition to currently managing nearly $11 million in assets, since its founding in 1990, the Foundation has raised over $26 million to support important projects at Barton Health and in our community, such as the Robert Maloff Center for Orthopedics and Wellness; the Level III Trauma Center; the Family Birthing Center; the Barton Community Health Center; the Neal Olson Playroom; the Ledbetter Healing Garden; the construction of a helipad; support for non-profit organizations in our community who are engaged in health care related initiatives; and made available financial resources to community members who were adversely impacted by the pandemic and the Caldor Fire.

It is also important to note that Barton Memorial Hospital was made possible through philanthropy in the early 1960’s, when six acres of land valued at $200,000 was donated for the hospital. An accompanying fundraising campaign garnered an additional $547,000, which allowed the hospital to open its doors in 1963.   
The mission of the Barton Health Foundation – to advance health care in our community through philanthropy – could not be accomplished without the generosity of our many donors, medical professionals, hospital administrators and volunteer board members. 

As the Barton Health Foundation Executive director, I look forward to continuing the successful fundraising initiatives that have been part of the fabric of Barton Health over the last 60 years. In the ever-evolving world of health care, we have exciting plans for future growth. I look forward to sharing those plans with you in the near future.  

Until then, please enjoy this issue of Elevations, and thank you for your investment in the Barton Health Foundation!  

Sincerely,

Chris Kiser
Executive Director, Barton Foundation