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Published on 05/08/1996 All articles from this issue

Foundation realizes the benefits of hospital philanthropy

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By Clyde Noel / Town Crier Staff Writer

Far from cacophony of the El Camino Hospital management controversy,the hospital's Camino Healthcare Foundation works virtually behindthe scenes in tandem with donors to turn contributions into services.

Whether it's funding the hospital's Older Adult Resource Centeron South Drive, providing critical care beds for the hospital'semergency room or funding a community resource directory in threelanguages, the Foundation works to fill missing links in hospitalservices.

"The Foundation helps us raise money to support ourselves,"said Mary Jo Brazil, librarian at the Older Adult Resource Center,which offers classes, a reference library and counseling for seniors."The community-donated money provides programs and servicesthat support seniors and their families."

The Foundation is neutral in the battle for control of hospitaloperations. Likewise, the outcome of the lawsuit filed by theEl Camino Hospital District board to dismantle hospital managementwill not affect the Foundation's function or mission, officialssay.

"The mission of the foundation transcends the conflict overthe governance of the hospital. It goes beyond their conflict,"said Elliot C. Lepler, M.D., chairman of the Foundation's Boardof Governors. "Our mission is to improve the health statusof the community and the reason the hospital exists."

The Foundation was incorporated as the El Camino Hospital Foundationin 1982 to provide an outlet for contributions to the hospital.It changed its names with the formation of Camino Healthcare.

The Foundation started with $500,000-plus gifts from a few wealthy- and generous - donors. David and Lucile Packard, Mr. and Mrs.Burton J. McMurtry, Jack and Norma Melchor and hospital employeeswere among the early donors.

Donors have been recognized in various "circles" bythe Foundation. Those contributing from $100,000 to $499,000 wereincluded in the Governor's Circle; "Benefactors" donated$50,000 to $99,999, "Patrons" from $25,000 to $49,000and "Sponsors, Partners, Contributors and Friends" whocontributed from $1,000 to $2,499 were other levels of philanthropy.

Camino Healthcare Foundation also recognizes donors who haveincluded the Foundation in their estate plans. Gifts such as wills,life insurance, trust and pooled income funds are a separate formof tribute and are included in something called the Camino LegacySociety.

For fiscal year 1992-93, the Foundation received $944,192 ingifts and pledges, and $734,702 for fiscal year 1993-1994. Figureswere unavailable for 1994-95 and 1995-96.

"Our original mission was to help the hospital assist thecommunity by buying equipment and helping in-patient focused programs,"Lepler said. "Today, the mission is to create a healthiercommunity through philanthropy, volunteerism and community benefitprograms."

Beth Mourning, president of Camino Healthcare Foundation, saidall funds received are used according to the donors' wishes. Separateaccounts are maintained according to the goal of the donor, shesaid. Accounts include dialysis treatment, a community benefitfund, nurse's education fund and patient's assistance funds.

"We listen to the preferences and consideration and thencommunicate back to the administration the interests and concernsof the community," Mourning said, referring to the donors'wishes.

"Regardless of what happens at the hospital, the assetsof the Foundation remain intact and will continue to be used accordingto the intent of the donor's wishes," Mourning said. "TheFoundation's mission will remain the same regardless of who willtake over the hospital."

The Foundation focus has changed in recent years. Although ithas always supported the hospital through funding inpatient services,the Foundation expanded its focus to include community outreach."I believe it is our social responsibility to contributeour particular expertise and resources to enhancing the healthstatus of the community," Mourning said. "Learning tocreate a healthy community is more than having this wonderfulhospital. It's about reaching out to those who aren't as fortunateas we are.

"There are hard working people out there who are the workingpoor. They can't afford to have the use of the wonderful medicalfacilities like we have because they can't afford the medicalplans. We have to help these people maintain their dignity,"Mourning said.

Next week: A perspective on the hospital controversy.

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