The Texoma Health Foundation Celebrates Giving

Denison, Texas – In celebration of the season, the Texoma Health Foundation (THF) hosted over 200 volunteers, donors and grantees who joined together to display healthcare projects and programs supported by the Foundation.

Fifteen tables were set up throughout THF’s Reba’s Ranch House and Foundation offices highlighting services that were made possible due to financial support from THF. Demonstrations represented over $8 million distributed by the Foundation since inception as an independent health foundation in 2007.

“This is the first time that we have brought together all of our projects and programs in one place”, said THF President and CEO, Michelle Lemming. “The Foundation is so diverse in respect to both funding and activities that we wanted to try to create an event that would allow our partners, volunteers and donors to better see how they fit within THF’s larger purpose of improving health for our four-county service area. Having just released this year’s annual report to the community, we felt this would be a nice way to build upon the report and physically bring together the projects that are highlighted”.

One of the more popular displays included a new water rescue boat, diving equipment and rig, along with one of two ambulances parked in front of the Reba’s Ranch House. All were purchased by THF through a community grant to the City of Denison. Other grantee displays included projects helping providers care for the under and uninsured by assisting in the cost of rehabilitative services, hospice care, family counseling, clinical and hospital care. Several booths highlighted THF’s priority to support the Texoma area’s nursing workforce. These included projects at Grayson County College, ECU at Southeastern and a project with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Two projects highlighted THF’s efforts to improve health education including a childhood and family obesity project through the Boys and Girls Club, as well as scholarships for local children with diabetes to attend a summer diabetic camp. Projects managed by THF were also highlighted and included family endowments and funds held by the Foundation to support community health, THF’s Breast Cancer Committee’s 500 Strong Campaign and survivor support group, as well as the Foundation’s Reba’s Ranch House.

“This is such a special time for us to be together with friends and partners and pay tribute to the hard work of our grantees and THF projects”, said Kay Skelton, THF Board Chairman. “THF would not have such a significant impact if it were not for our many donors and volunteers, along with the work of our grantee partners. We are so proud of the work that they are doing to benefit our communities.”

In addition to operating the Reba’s Ranch House, THF manages an annual community grants cycle, assists area healthcare providers in covering the cost of under and uninsured care, manages special donor projects and oversees a breast cancer financial assistance program for residents fighting breast cancer. To learn more visit www.texomahealth.org.