Dedicated to the well-being of the people of the Southern Kenai Peninsula and supporting the community healthcare mission of South Peninsula Hospital.

ABOUT US

Established in 2003, South Peninsula Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the well-being of the people of the Southern Kenai Peninsula and supporting the community healthcare mission of South Peninsula Hospital.

The Foundation’ volunteer Board of Directors are community members. They work together with hospital leadership to raise funds and community awareness for projects and services that advance South Peninsula Hospital’s mission of promoting community health and wellness by providing personalized, high quality, locally coordinated healthcare.

Are you interested in becoming a board member? Email us for more info!

SPH Foundation Board of Directors

  • Holly Dramis

    Holly Dramis

    Board Chair

  • Dotti Harness

    Dotti Harness-Foster

    Vice-Chair

  • Amy Landess

    Amy Landess

    Secretary

  • Judith Lund

    Judith Lund

    Treasurer, Ex-Officio Board Member

  • Angie Newby

    Angie Newby

    Board Member

  • Ryan Smith

    Ryan Smith

    SPH CEO

  • Angela Hinnegan

    Angela Hinnegan

    SPH COO

  • Derotha Ferraro

    Derotha Ferraro

    SPH PR Director

  • Melissa Blair

    Melissa Blair

    SPH Foundation Executive Director

  • Helen Armstrong

    Helen Armstrong

    SPH Service Area Board Liaison

  • TBD

    SPH Operating Board Liaison

What We Do

Every aspect of our well-being is interconnected. As the 8 Dimensions of Wellness reminds us, focusing on any one area without regard to the others limits our ability to grow together. We aim to continuously work with community partners to identify the greatest barriers to community well-being and work hard towards solutions and funding. Here are some of the ways we have been able to do so until now.

SPHF has been committed to building and sponsoring programs which have contributed to the well-being of members in our region, with notable examples ranging from Homer Steps Up to Walk with a Doc (Wellness Walks). We proudly fund the Safe Sitter Program and other efforts to empower our youth and give people the opportunities and resources to develop healthy relationships.

We are dedicated to promoting opportunities for students in the area. SPH Foundation currently offers scholarships for students looking to earn their CNA certification and another scholarship in partnership with Allied Health. Over two decades, we have funded ___ scholarships for local students. We seek to expand these opportunities and with your help to fund more fields of study. Please contact the Kenai Peninsula College in Homer for more information.

Every year, the Foundation hosts an opportunity to mingle, connect, and celebrate our accomplishments. This is the moment when we focus on what we can dream of in the coming year and how we can make it happen. Your support during our event plants seeds in the fall which sprout the coming year. This year, please join us for Bounty on the Bay at The Broken Oar on August 18th, 2022 for an evening of oysters, drinks, and renewed friendships. As our Inaugural event, you have a chance to define the paths we build together.

We understand that a community cannot improve wellness if we experience housing insecurity. We are developing and encouraging community-wide discussions in order to come to workable, locally-led solutions to the housing challenges. Working with our local partners, we will continue to work towards expanding housing access and opportunities. The truth is, we need your help. Ideas, organizers, and your participation can move mountains. Please email us if you are passionate about the housing crisis we face. We welcome your voice.

The SPHF understands that with any hospital budget, there are requests which don’t get funded. Working hand-in-hand with the Hospital, we will bridge the funding gaps to ensure the best possible care for our community. Likewise if you find yourself working to empower community health in the area, we would enjoy working with you. Reach out in the form below and we will chat and if desired, help you with a grant application for funds.

Over the years, we have invested to ensure the staff and visitors at SPH have access to facilities which directly contribute to our quality of life. Over the years, we have financed the development and construction of the Reflection Room, a sanctuary for staff and visitors to pray, decompress, and breathe in stressful situations. We have also funded the Hospital Gift Shop to help bring joy to visitors. The Serenity Garden at the front entrance is a good spot to relax, and enjoy the spectacular view of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains.

Working with a wide variety of community members, we have prioritized regional conversations on organization, funding, and access to affordable childcare. We understand the profound importance of doing what is necessary to ensure families have options when it comes to safe and reliable childcare solutions. If you are passionate about organizing around childcare, we need your help. Write to us at the email below.

Ways To Give

There are many ways individuals and families can partner with us to meet charitable giving goals. Together, we can create giving plans that maximize the impacts of your gifts today and in the future.

Of course the greatest gift we can ask for is your time and energy in helping us bring people together, evaluate the community’s greatest needs, and tackle the barriers we come across. The Foundation understands that we all have different skill sets to offer, and we welcome you sharing yours. Whether you love organizing events, communicating with people, graphic design, writing cards, or any other passion, we want to work with you!

Naturally, our time and energy is often our most precious resource. When you find yourself spread thin, we want to offer you a chance to participate with your philanthropy.

Of the diverse ways to participate with your donation of dollars, we want to work closely with you to find the best application based on your background, your passion, and giving you an overview of the existing efforts in the region. See below for a list of potential options for your gifts.

Donor - Advised Funds

For the most active philanthropist, a donor-advised fund allows you to support the issues and programs that you care about. You can recommend grants to programs and equipment throughout the year while receiving administrative support and philanthropic guidance from the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation. To learn more about the benefits of a donor-advised fund. For more information, please contact us.

IRA Charitable Distributions

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a distribution from your individual retirement account (IRA) to a qualified charity. You must be age 70½ or older to make a qualified charitable distribution. A qualified charitable distribution is not taxed, nor is it included in your taxable income.

If you have a traditional IRA, and you would like to help the community as a way to meet your required minimum distribution, please reach out and let us help you navigate this process.

Planned Giving

A planned gift allows you to make a meaningful difference in your community. Planned giving can support your future needs and allow you to create a legacy for the future of your community. You and your descendants may also have tax benefits by making a planned gift. Let us work with your particular situation to find the best way for you and your family to comfortably build for the future.

Healthcare Development

Let us walk you through the inner workings of our medical facility and show you how you can directly sponsor the equipment, training, and repairs necessary to keep our community healthy. We want to show you how our collaboration will be impacted by your generosity.

Unrestricted: Area of Greatest Need

Your gift to our Area of Greatest Need fund provides the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation with the most flexibility in addressing the current needs of our hospital and our community. The Foundation Board of Trustees approves the use of these unrestricted funds to purchase essential medical equipment and to support community programs.