The Friend's of St. Joseph's are the individuals, families, businesses and organizations helping to ensure the continuation of excellent health care for the people of Clinton County and surrounding areas by financially supporting the services, projects and programs of the hospital.
History
On her death in 1890, Elizabeth Speckman of Breese left nine acres of land and $1500 for a hospital. The parishioners of St. Dominic Catholic Church took up the challenge and seven years later, a 2-1/2 story brick facility was completed at the cost of $18,000.
When that building became outdated in the 1960s, the community again rose to the challenge, donating $650,000 toward a new $3.8 million 103-bed facility built on land donated by brothers George and John Otke.
The Friends of St. Joseph’s was established in 1989 to coordinate fundraising activities and seek contributions. Their efforts assure the availability of future health care services by providing programs, services and state-of-the-art medical equipment.
A division of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, the Friends of St. Joseph’s is a non-profit organization under the 501(C)(3) federal tax code. All contributions are tax deductible in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations. Donations may be made payable to the Friends of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Breese.
Remembrance Giving
A gift to the Friends can be used to honor friends or family members after their death or on special occasions and, when faced with a death, families can "leave a legacy" by designating memorials to the Friends of St. Joseph's.
Memorial envelopes are available at the hospital and from area funeral homes. Donations can be marked "In Memory/Honor of ____________” and mailed to St. Joseph's Hospital, c/o Community Relations, PO Box 99, Breese, IL 62230, or left at the hospital Switchboard in care of the Community Relations Office/Friends.
An acknowledgement is sent to the family or person designated by the donor; the amount given is not disclosed.
Donors whose cumulative giving totals $500 and over and recipients of $500 in remembrance giving, are included on the Donor Recognition Wall.
Annual giving
An annual fall giving campaign provides area residents with an opportunity to support the hospital’s current and future needs. Prior to the community campaign, employees take the opportunity of the "Caring Hearts” drive to financially support the Friends.
Becoming a Friend
An interested individual can become a Friend in a variety of ways:
- Serve on a hospital board or council;
- Volunteer through the Auxiliary;
- Support and participate in Friends events;
- Donate to the annual fall giving campaign;
- Remember the hospital when giving in honor or memory of a loved one;
- Include the Friends in your estate planning, will or trust.
In addition to cash donations, the Friends accept a variety of other gift options:
- Bequests & Estates
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Endowments
- Property
- Stocks
- Trusts/Wills
As with all financial matters, please discuss your giving and/or estate plans with your professional advisor(s).
Recognition
All gifts received by the Friends are recorded on a cumulative basis continuing
over the donor’s lifetime and beyond. The Friends
of St. Joseph’s has established membership categories for all donors; the
Donor Recognition Wall honors those who have given $500 and over.
| $50-$99 | Member |
| $100-$499 | Participating Member |
| $500-$1499 | Supporting Member |
| $1500-$4999 | Sustaining Member |
| $5000-$9999 | Life Member |
| $10,000-$14,999 | Advocate Member |
| $15,000-$24,999 | Benevolent Member |
| $25,000-$49,999 | Distinguished Member |
| $50,000-$149,999 | Distinguished Benefactor |
| $150,000-$249,999 | Distinguished Humanitarian |
| $250,000-over | Distinguished Founder |
Friends Board Members
Members of the Friends Board oversee Friends' activities. Current members include:
| B. Carson Hempen, Chairman | New Baden |
| Elaine Behrmann | Albers |
| Tom Broeckling | Albers |
| John Hudspeth | Carlyle |
| Irene Kruse | Bartelso |
| Bryan Marsh | Trenton |
| Ann Schroeder | Germantown |
| Jerry Timmermann | Breese |
| Jill Timmermann | Breese |
Contact Information
For more information, contact Community Relations/Development:
email: Director Karyn Whitlatch or phone 618.526-5439.
email: Assistant Stacy Albers or phone 618.526-5663.
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