Women in Philanthropy seeks ways to meet health care needs in the area

FORT SCOTT, Kan. -- A novel approach to helping meet health care needs in the Fort Scott area is being addressed by a newly formed group call Women in Philanthropy.

Women in Philanthropy, a program of Mercy Health Center Foundation, is an organization open to all women who support the work of Mercy and recognize that women as donors have the capability of making an impact on health care in the community. Plans were announced last spring to organize the group and currently 21 women have made the decision to become charter members of WIP.

The first meeting of the group is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., at the Fort Scott Country Club, according to co-organizers Sharon Campbell and Barbara Albright. An invitation is extended to other interested women to attend by calling Mercy Development Office at (620) 223-7026.

WIP was created by women to support Mercy Health Center while, at the same time, encouraging women as philanthropic leaders. There are three levels of donations that women may select from for their annual gift to Women in Philanthropy. By uniting donations, the group is able to identify timely opportunities at the health center and together members choose how to direct the group's pooled resources.

"We are truly excited about this concept of women cultivating women as philanthropic leaders," said Campbell. "Through our collective voices, we believe we can begin to impact some significant health concerns among our citizens of all ages."

Initially, the group will meet three times a year to hear presentations on funding proposals with the final meeting in May to vote for the program(s) to which the annual grant will be awarded. Each member has one vote regardless of their giving level and allocation of funds will be based on majority preference.

Organizers have established several payment methods for members ranging from cash, check, credit card to electronic bank transfers. The giving levels are Platinum, annual gift of $1,000; Gold, annual gift of $500; and Silver, annual gift of $200 for women age 39 and under.

"We believe one of the most important benefits of membership in Women in Philanthropy is the satisfaction of knowing that you are part of a collaborative, informed and empowered force choosing to enhance the lives of others," added Albright.

"Our health center aspires to greatness but to do so must have supporters who are continually looking for new and innovative ways to generate funding," said Carla Bryant Farmer, director of development at Mercy. "Women in Philanthropy is one such group. They will look for opportunities at Mercy with a particular emphasis on the enrichment of women and children's lives."

Charter members include: Barbara Wood, Karen Endicott-Coyan, Kate Emmett-Sweetser, Connie Banwart, Jeanne Woodrich, Colleen Quick, Reta Baker, Diana Endicott, Linda Boots, Janet Braun, Terri Del Chiaro, Marilyn Sipe, Tina Rockhold, Sheryl Bloomfield, Kathryn Abbey, Carol Lydic, Susan Regan, Annamarie Katosh, Campbell, Albright, and Farmer.

For more information on WIP contact Mercy Development Office at (620) 223-7026.