WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE
The foundation was incorporated in 1984. It serves as a source of contributed funds for West River Health Services and Western Horizons Living Centers. The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and is a registered 501 © (3) U.S. charitable organization and licensed by the state of North Dakota.
OUR MISSION
Provide fundraising and development services for West River Health Services and Western Horizons Living Centers as they provide comprehensive health and wellness services for the region.
OUR GOALS
- To reach these goals, an endowment fund was established. The long-term welfare of rural, community owned hospitals depends on financial endowment. The endowment fund will be used as a permanent funding source for West River Health Services (WRHS) and Western Horizons Living Centers (WHLC) to carry out its vision of ensuring quality health services and up to date technology. Provide funds for equipment
- Assist health related programs and services
- Support community wellness education
- Provide scholarships and loans for healthcare professionals
- Aid hospital, clinics and living centers
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
--- Winston Churchill ---
Scholarships and Academic Loan Program
Employee Scholarship
Employee ScholarshipApplication (PDF)
WAYS TO GIVE
You can help support WRHSF with a one-time gift, annual gift, and planned gift or by making a pledge over time. Gifts may be in the form of cash, stock, real estate, livestock, grain, life insurance, charitable trusts and gift annuities, or you may want to include the foundation in your estate plan by making a bequest in your will.
All gifts may be restricted by the donor for a specific purpose or given as an unrestricted donation for the general endowment fund. Donations can be made at anytime and anonymous gifts are always welcome.
Gifts of Cash
Gifts of cash are the most commonly used to make charitable gifts. Tax benefits are available when you itemize deductions on your tax return.
Gifts of Appreciated Assets
Gifts of appreciated assets such as securities, real estate, or other property that has increased in value, may provide you with an income tax deduction for the full value of the asset and save on capital gains and state taxes.
Planned Giving
“Planned Giving” offers a wide variety of giving methods that allow you to give to WRHSF during your lifetime and/or after your death, while meeting your current income needs and providing for your heirs. Planned Gifts are popular because they can provide valuable tax benefits and/or income for life and are a viable option for donors of all income levels.
Potential Benefits of Planned Gifts
- Increase current income for the donor or others
- Reduce the donor’s income tax
- Avoid capital gains tax
- Pass assets to family at a reduced tax cost
- Make significant donations to charity
Types of Planned Gifts
Charitable Remainder Trusts
This trust makes payments, either a fixed amount or a percentage of trust principal, to whomever the donor chooses to receive income. At the end of the trust term, WRHSF receives whatever amount is left in the trust.
Charitable Lead Trusts
This trust makes payments to WRHSF during its term. At the end of the trust term, the principal can go either back to the donor or to heirs named by the donor.
Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity is a simple contract between a donor and West River Health Services Foundation. In exchange for an irrevocable gift of cash, securities, mutual funds, or other assets, WRHSF agrees to pay one or two annuitants a fixed income each year for life. The older the annuitants, the higher the interest rate.
Charitable Life Estate Agreements
A donor may wish to consider deeding a home or farm to WRHSF now but retain the right to live there for life. The donor can receive favorable tax benefits for such a gift.
Charitable Bequests
Giving through your will or living trust can be a convenient way to leave a lasting legacy. After providing for your loved ones, you may wish to give something to WRHSF. A bequest can usually be arranged with the simple addition of a codicil (amendment) to your existing will.
Types of Bequests
- General Bequest: A specified dollar amount.
- Specific Bequest: Designate specified assets, such as securities or other property.
- Residuary Bequest: Assign all or a certain percentage of your estate’s remainder value after all expenses and all other bequests have been paid. This form of bequest ensures that each remainder beneficiary receives a constant proportion even though changes may occur in the size of the estate.
- Contingent Bequest: Property is distributed to WRHSF only if the named beneficiary is deceased.
Annual Giving Club
Grateful Givers Club
This annual membership-giving club provides financial support and helps finance the current needs of equipment and programs that are not available through other sources of funding
Membership Eligibility - The core level of membership is based upon single or multiple gifts totaling $100 or more given within a single year. Other giving levels are in place for those who contribute $250 or more. Each year these gifts make an immediate and important difference in patients’ lives. CLICK TO GIVE
Endowment Funds
General Endowment Fund
Contributions are invested as a permanent funding source of West River Health Services. The interest income generated from investments is used to support our programs and services.
We are grateful for your gifts to the WRHS Foundation. Together for the future.
Physician Recruitment Endowment Fund
Since 1950, the medical system has proudly served the area providing a full spectrum of care. We were built on the premise that rural patients deserve the same top quality care as their urban counter parts. Today more than ever, our rural communities are struggling to find providers to serve the people. Our #1 priority is to acquire more TOP DOCS! Without them, our state-of-the-art-equipment and facilities rest. Our patients THANK YOU in advance for more top-quality care, “close to home.” CLICK TO GIVE
Healthcare Heroes Endowment Fund
Our goal is to raise $500,000 in five years or less, so that we can create $25,000 (at 5% interest) or more, each and every year going forward, for: 1) Academic Loans for College Upperclassmen pursuing a healthcare degree (future “Healthcare Heroes”), whereby they could receive a loan if they contractually agree to apply for a job with West River or Western Horizons, and/or 2) Signing Bonuses for Top Priority employment positions (potential “Healthcare Heroes”) at West River and Western Horizons, and/or 3) Bonuses for current “Healthcare Heroes” at West River and Western Horizons who are providing tremendous services above and beyond the call of duty. Physicians and Administrative Staff will not be eligible for these bonuses.CLICK TO GIVE
Leave a Legacy
Scholarship Fund
Provides assistance for Allied Health Professionals and Mid-Level Practitioners with college/university funding prior to the final two years of professional study.
In Tribute Program
Gifts may be given as a memorial to an individual or to honor an individual on birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. These gifts may be restricted by the donor for a specific purpose or to the General Endowment Fund.
Ambulance Fund
Used to upgrade equipment, train technicians and teach emergency management services to emergency management teams across our regional service area.
Western Horizons Living Centers
Gifts to Western Horizons Care Center and Western Horizons Assisted Living will help fulfill our mission to our neighbors in achieving and maintaining their highest level of independence in a caring and respectful environment.
Contributions are recognized in our donor recognition program to thank and honor our many friends for their continuing support. The “Donor Wall of Honor”, displays the names of individuals, families, businesses and organizations whose cumulative giving to WRHSF has reached $1,000 or more.
WRHSF Board of Directors
Eve Safratowich, Chairman - Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Brett Henderson, WRHS Liaison/Vice Chairman - Lodgepole
(Term Expiring 9-29-27)
Lane Miller, Secretary/Treasurer - Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Steven Hedstrom, – Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-27-27)
Bonnie Smith – Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-29-27)
Connie Burwick – Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-26-27)
Robert Parker – Lodgepole
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Leonard Bjerklie– Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-29-27)
Ronald Dragoo - Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Nikole Tenant - Lemmon
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Kyle Kennedy - Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Dr. Catherine Houle, Medical Staff Liaison - Hettinger
(Term Expiring 9-30-27)
Seth Skogen, WHLC Liaison - Hettinger
Fund Development Officer - Ted Uecker III
fdo@wrhs.com
701-567-6187
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :
West River Health Services Foundation
1000 Highway 12
Hettinger, North Dakota 58639-7530
Phone: 701-567-6187