MILLER-DWAN FOUNDATION

Since its beginning, the Miller-Dwan Medical Center has been firmly rooted in the tradition of significant and noteworthy individual philanthropy. From the founding bequest given by A. M. Miller to the longstanding and expansive interests of Mary C. Dwan, charitable and civic-minded people have helped shape Miller-Dwan throughout the years.

The Foundation had its beginning in the early 1970s with a series of gifts from Mrs. Dwan specifically designated for an endowment. It is from her vision and philanthropy that the hospital formed the Foundation in October, 1973.

Mary C. Dwan’s wishes are still honored and reflected in the Foundation’s current activities with emphasis on grant making, education, and fund development.

In the first 30 years of the Foundation’s existence, over $11 million has been distributed in grants. Hundreds of educational offerings have been made available to thousands of medical professionals and community members, and numerous charitable contributions have been received from grateful patients, devoted health care professionals and civic-minded individuals.

FOUNDATION TIMELINE

1968 A gift of $2.4 million from Mary C. Dwan provides significant funding for the new building addition, including an auditorium and Burn Unit, completed at a cost of more than $7 million.

1971 Upon completion of the expansion, the hospital is renamed Miller-Dwan Hospital and Medical Center, reflecting the Dwan gift and the transition of services to a specialized approach to medical care.

April 1973 In response to Mrs. Dwan’s initiative, planning for a foundation is started, and a foundation committee is formed. The committee is composed of Jennings Johnson, Bob Karon, Don Shank and Jim Knoble, hospital CEO.

August 15, 1973 Mary C. Dwan dies.

1973 A gift from Mary C. Dwan, in the form of a charitable lead trust, provides for the establishment of an endowment to benefit the hospital.

October 1973 The hospital forms the first Foundation Board to carry out the philanthropic wishes of Mary C. Dwan and other donors. Initial members of the Foundation Board are Stella Mitchell, Dr. William Slack, Dr. Bill Jacott, Dr. Frank Budd, Dr. Robert Heller and Jim Knoble, hospital CEO. The total assets of the new foundation are $880,648.

1986 Josephine Wendorf makes a gift to the Foundation in her will. The Wendorf Trust starts providing funds to Miller-Dwan Foundation and the Van Gorden Foundation.

December 16, 1997 The Van Gorden Foundation merges with the Miller-Dwan Foundation and the Van Gorden Fund of the Miller-Dwan Foundation is established.

October 1998 Spiritual Center dedication—this facility is the result of a development effort by the Foundation that raised $165,000. The project was designed with assistance from community religious leaders of all faiths to create the region’s first multifaith spiritual space.

November 2000 The Foundation changes its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS tax-exempt classification of a 509(a)(3) support organization to a 509(a)(1) independent public charity.

September 2003 The Foundation embarks on a $4,000,000 capital campaign to build Solvay Hospice House, the region's first and only residential hospice home.

July 2007 Solvay Hospice House celebrates its grand opening.