Impacting health care in the community

South King Health Foundation’s initial campaign brings in $1.5 million for MultiCare medical centers | PHOTOS

By Mark Klaas • November 21, 2019 1:30 pm

Four years from its launch, the South King Health Foundation is already working wonders with its philanthropic power.

Passersby can read about its progress on a wall of the renovated atrium at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center (MAMC).

The foundation’s first campaign has struck gold and a chord with partners in building a healthier community in Auburn and beyond. Led by a board of ambitious volunteers, the foundation to date has brought in $1.5 million to support MultiCare’s efforts to provide elite health care at its nonprofit medical centers in Auburn and Covington.

And that, foundation leaders say, is only the beginning.

“You want the very best when you go into a hospital,” said Monica Hurley, the foundation’s executive director. “It’s doing things like renovating this lobby … making sure we’re delivering world-class health care.”

Hospital and foundation leaders gathered Tuesday evening at MAMC to acknowledge the milestone and to praise the financial fraternity of supporters whose names have been placed on a donor wall. Donors to the foundation were invited to join the unveiling of the wall. to join in a festive evening of giving thanks and to learn more about the impact their contributions will have on health care in South King County.

The wall, with mighty Mount Rainier as a mural backdrop, will expand each year when new donors are added to the family.

Many of MAMC’s renovations were done, in large part, through funding from donations to the foundation.

Terry Davis, campaign co-chair along with Dr. Steve Anderson, spoke about the improvements. Davis, senior director of Government Affairs for Comcast, welcomed the opportunity to “build something from scratch,” a foundation that bridges the Auburn and Covington communities and embraces MultiCare’s work.

The donor wall reflects the commitment.

“There will be days when people walk through our hospital, perhaps looking for a quiet place to reflect or a bite to eat … while visiting a friend or a loved one. I have made those walks and so often, felt very alone,” Davis said. “This wall will be a constant reminder to everyone that no one is alone here, that the people on our wall are healers. Some heal through their profession, while others heal through generosity. We know that makes a difference. There is power in giving and in gratitude.”

For the foundation, the next challenge is raising awareness and funds for behavioral health care. The launch event is set for April.

Learn more at support.multicare.org.