Transitions: A Message from the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Board Chair

I must begin this report by thanking our amazing donors and our fantastic foundation team for reaching the $10 million Focus on Imaging goal ahead of schedule this year.

This gives us even more confidence in our shared capacity to meet our goals. And the timing couldn’t be better. Healthcare, fundraising and even foundation governance are all experiencing transition and change. Our changes begin with the departure of three key Board members who have served our hospital so well over the past decade. I want to personally thank Pat Dubé, Geoff Shaw and Susan Love (Huntsville Hospital Auxiliary), for their service, commitment and the passion they have contributed.

In addition, I want to welcome new Board members to the team: Andy MacCulloch, Charles Neuwald, James Estey and Trevor Groh bring a wealth of skills and experience (please see their exceptional bios on our website). We also welcome the co-presidents of the Hospital Auxiliary, Helene Gayowsky and Jeanne O’Neill to our Board. Along with the rest of our Board team, we’re in good hands for the future.

As you will see in our Financial Statements, another transition at your Foundation is the shift from the deferred method of accounting to the fund method. This will provide clear tools for decision making and better transparency for donors. We have also completed the implementation of best-in-class internal controls.

The delivery of hospital services in Muskoka must evolve to reflect economic reality, population changes, hospital service delivery changes and the advance of technology and connectivity. Muskoka needs new thinking and new hospitals to go with it.

We have committed $35 million to this renewal project. This is over and above the continuing annual needs of the Hospital along with special equipment needs that will arise. Our total target for the next ten years is approximately $60 million. That may sound daunting, yet consider the success of our Focus on Imaging Campaign. And the vocal support of many in our area, best exemplified by the leadership in Almaguin. While he details of the new, two-hospital system continue to evolve, we remain focused on providing reliable information to our donors and engaging community leaders in preparation for the launch of the next campaign. Our role and your role in this transition right now is to answer the call when it comes. Thank you to our Board for their amazing commitment. Thank you to our equally amazing Foundation team. And a special thank you to our incredible donors. Together, we’re in a great position to lead change.

MIKE HARROWER
Board Chair, Huntsville Hospital Foundation