The MED Foundation of Mercer Health
Supporting Local, Quality Healthcare
The Medical, Educational, and Development (MED) Foundation of Mercer Health was established to provide enhancements and educational support for the future of healthcare services within our community.
Annual Events & Programs
Charity Ball
The Charity Ball is a black-tie event hosted by the MED Foundation annually in November. The fundraiser features a cocktail reception, a three-course catered dinner, live music and entertainment. The winner of the Corvette reverse raffle is chosen and announced during the event.
Event InformationCorvette Raffle
Each year the MED Foundation gives away a Corvette Stingray Coupe during a reverse raffle held in November. Tickets cost $100 each and only 1,000 are sold. Tickets for 2023 will be available for purchase beginning July 1.
Get Your TicketsGolf Outing
The Esmonde-Homan Golf Outing benefitting the MED Foundation is held annually at the Mercer County Elks located in Celina, Ohio. The proceeds from the golf outing fund our scholarship program, which supports graduating seniors from each of the six Mercer County schools pursuing an education in healthcare.
Learn MoreScholarship Programs
The MED Foundation Scholarship Program was created to support the selection of careers in the healthcare profession by offering scholarships to graduating seniors from each of the six Mercer County schools interested in improving the health of the citizens in Mercer County and the surrounding area.
The Mercer Health Medical Student Scholarship program was created in 2020 by the Medical Staff of Mercer Health to support medical students from Mercer County and surrounding counties, as well as medical students who have participated in rotations at Mercer Health, by offering scholarships to those individuals.
Learn MoreWays to Give
When you contribute to the Medical, Educational & Development (MED) Foundation you are making an investment in the health and wellness of our community. Whatever the size of your gift, your contribution helps to ensure that Mercer Health can continue to provide quality, local health care. There are many ways that you can contribute to the future of healthcare in our community.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Memorial Giving
There is no better tribute to someone who has made an impact in your life than to make a difference in the lives of others in their name. A memorial gift is a gift made at the death of an individual in their name and honor. You may also make a gift in honor of a physician, nurse or another healthcare provider that touched your life through their care. The MED Foundation acknowledges all gifts received in this manner by sending a letter to the individual or next of kin with an accompanying list of all who donated in their memory of honor.
A donation to the MED Foundation of Mercer Health is a meaningful way to honor a loved one. Contact us to determine how to best honor your loved one.
The MED Foundation of Mercer Health is honored to accept charitable contributions in memorial of a recently departed loved one. Careful coordination will take place between the family, funeral home and our team.
Recognize a staff member by making a gift in their honor to the MED Foundation. The staff member will be notified of your thoughtful gift to the organization, however your gift amount will be held confidential.
Planned Giving
For many people, this option provides great flexibility, security and peace of mind. A bequest for the MED Foundation in your will is a process easily accomplished in your estate planning. You may choose to inform the Foundation of your decision or keep your plans confidential. Some people combine their charitable interests with estate planning to create a trust that provides a lifetime income for them and their spouse, provides for heirs, creates estate tax savings, and results in a substantial gift for the MED Foundation and Mercer Health. Talk with your financial advisor or attorney about options in planning that will meet your needs.
What will your Legacy be?
As you plan for your future, you are making a number of important decisions. One of those carefully planned decisions may be to leave a legacy gift- a meaningful gift that will endure beyond your lifetime for the benefit of others- to a charitable organization like the MED Foundation of Mercer Health.
The motivation to give a legacy gift to Mercer Health comes from many places… gratitude for an exceptional experience, belief in a vision of loving-kindness, faith in a mission to ensure local, quality healthcare, or a desire to make a difference in the community by helping those in need.
Whatever your motivation, you can be assured that your legacy gift will impact the lives of future generations of children, families and seniors in our community who rely on Mercer Health to be here when needed.
One of the easiest, most meaningful and enduring legacy gifts is to include a bequest to the MED Foundation of Mercer Health in your will. By remembering Mercer Health in your will, you can impact your community’s healthcare in a way that endures far beyond your lifetime. This is one way that permits you to plan in the present to meet your own needs and those of your heirs, while investing in Mercer Health for future generations.
A bequest may be structured in a number of ways:
• A specific dollar amount or specific holding of your estate:
• A percentage of your estate;
• A portion or all of the remainder of your estate following the satisfaction of other bequests, or
• A combination of the above.
Planning your estate and legacy for future generations including your charitable interests takes careful evaluation. Consulting with the appropriate professionals can assist you. Discussing your charitable intentions with us can lead to a much better result than going it alone- and will ensure that your gift is used just as you wish. We can provide valuable information about creative giving techniques.
Act now to take the steps that you need to do to be a good steward of the resources you intend to leave behind. For additional information, contact:
The MED Foundation of Mercer Health
800 West Main Street
Coldwater, Ohio 45828
419-678-5679
dhemmelgarn@mercer-health.com
Gifts that last forever…
Our website contains general gift, estate, and financial planning information for educational purposes. It does not provide legal or tax advice. For advice or assistance on specific gifts and decisions please consult an attorney or other professional advisor.
These types of gifts are always welcomed by the Foundation and may provide the donor with substantial tax advantages. Talk with your financial advisor or attorney about the best way for you to make this type of gift.
Friends of the MED Foundation
The Friends of the Foundation are individuals who care about the health of the residents in our community and want to ensure the Mercer Health organization has the tools available to take care of our local healthcare needs by making annual donations.
The ongoing support of the Friends of the Foundation combined with the support of other members and businesses of the community will allow the MED Foundation to further its mission of enriching Mercer Health’s ability to enhance the healthcare within our community. As a community anchor, Mercer Health remains focused on setting the pace for health in our community by providing quality and compassionate health care services, quality employment and strong economic support to the local community.
Since 2009, the MED Foundation has selected an Outstanding Friend of the Year. This award can be presented to either an individual, family, organization or business who provides support to Mercer Health and/or the MED Foundation by generously offering their time, talent or treasure to help fulfill our mission.
Outstanding Friend award recipients:
- 2009- Mercer Health Volunteer Association
- 2010- HCF Management, Inc.
- 2011- Francis and Joan Pax
- 2012- Coldwater Machine
- 2013- Richard (Red) Luken
- 2014- Tom Sanderell
- 2015- Remer Holdings, Inc.
- 2016- VJ and Marilyn Westerheide
- 2017- Maurice and Mary Ann Harting
- 2018- Jack Hartings and Chris Mohler, Building on a Promise Campaign Co-Chairs
- 2019- Connie Hein
- 2020- Dolores and the late Mauri Cron
- 2021- Bob and Sharon Hibner
- 2022- Mercer County Elks Golf Club
- Dr. Thangaraj and Vennila Amaran
- Steve and Mary Ann Badgett
- Earl and Berneice Baltes
- Gary L. Bruns
- David and Cheryl Bubp
- Dr. Carla Cameron
- Mauri and Dolores Cron
- Dr. Craig and Melinda Dues
- Glen Florence Family
- Tom and Patty Forsthoefel Family
- Charlie and Ann Froning
- Dave and Dot Garman
- Ken and Patti Gelhaus
- Jeff and Patty Hazel
- Dr. Edward and Therese Hosbach
- Pavan Kakarla
- Dr. Rajendra P. Kakarla
- Roger and Lisa Klenke **
- Ben and Tracy Knapke
- Carl and Catherine Koesters
- Dr. Melanie Jungblut and Tom Kueterman
- Gary and Vickie Lefeld
- Steve and Diane Lefeld **
- Cy and Helen LeFevre
- Terry and Cindy Liette
- John and Doris Maras
- DeWayne and Billie Kay Marsee
- Kathleen Mestemaker
- Gary and Donna Moeller **
- Jeff and Mary Monfort
- Dr. Peter and Vicky Moreland
- Dr. Venkatarao and Rangamma Neelati Family
- Adrian and Linda Noll
- Mike and Kay Pax
- Steve and Marlene Pax
- Barbara Riley**
- John and Betty Romer**
- Dr. David and Edna Rosado
- Joe and Starr Schmitmeyer
- Aaron and Kris Siefring
- Morris Siefring Family
- Bruce and Darlene Slavik Family
- Mark and Kathy Speelman Family
- Chuck Stammen
- Craig and Audrey Stammen
- John G. Terpstra, D.O.
- Gary and Barb Uhlenhake Family
- Ross L. Warren, D.O.
- Jack and Mary Lou Wenning
- Mike and Cindy Wenning
- Jim Werling
- Paul and Norma Wermert
- Jim and Nancy Wermert **
- Floyd and Judy Winner
- Drs. Jonathan & Michelle Winner
- Lee and Rita Wissman**
- Dave and Elaine Wolters
- John and Lynn Yoder
- Steve and Judy Zehringer Family
- Stammen Insurance
** Charter Members
- Ted and Diana Bertke
- Dr. Mike and Donna Bruns
- Neil and Pat Diller **
- Jon and Brandi Dingledine
- Ralph and Connie Guggenbiller **
- Jim and Elaine Harting
- Jack and JoAnn Hartings **
- Robert and Sharon Hibner **
- Elden and Marjorie Houts **
- John and Jan Hoying **
- Glenn and Sylvia Hux
- Stan and Marge Lefeld
- Virgil and Carol Lochtefeld**
- Francis and Joan Pax
- Dale and Nancy Schwieterman**
- Charles and Lucy Staugler
- V. J. and Marilyn Westerheide**
- Phi Beta Psi Sorority **
** Charter Members
- Kerry and Shelly Bruns
- Cale and Danielle Dues
- Maurice and Mary Ann Harting
- Bill and Deb Hemmelgarn
- David and Pam Hicks
- Craig and Jodi Homan
- Jerry and Lorri Kaup
- Gary and Vickie Lefeld
- Joe and Terri Mesarvey
- Tim and Nancy Mescher
- Ben and Jenni Miller
- John and Kathy Moeder
- Rick and Diane Muhlenkamp
- David and Carla Romer
- Rick and Shelly Ross
- Keith and Bobbi Selhorst
- Michael and Cynthia Shaffer
- David and Janet Uhlenhake
- Mickey and Andrea VanHorn
- Chuck and Bev Wachauf
- Daniel and Diane Wellman
** Charter Members
- Cory Albers
- Mark and Michelle Ashman
- Robert and Mary Beer
- John and Irene Bruns
- Gene and Lori Buening
- Ed and Lisa Buschur
- Scott and Jenny Conn
- Gary and Edna Dietz
- Renee Evers
- Don and Mary Eyink
- Richard and Janice Fiely
- Sean and Linda Finke
- Walter and Nancy Hartke
- Steve and Vivian Hellwarth
- Doug and Ellen Homan
- Randy and Cindy Kaup
- Jack and Bonnie Knapschaefer
- Roger and Barbara Kremer
- Scott and Mindy Kremer
- Brent and Angie Lefeld
- D.J. and Nan List
- Craig and Susan Miller
- Dr. Bill and Theresa Minton
- Eric and Sharon Muhlenkamp
- Peggy A. Muhlenkamp
- Bob and Edie Nuding
- Jim Rentz
- Ed and Laura Rolfes
- Dale and Theresa Rutschilling
- Chuck Stammen
- Vern and Jeanie Stammen
- Scott and Krista Stauffer
- Steve and Linda Steinbrunner
- Bob and Joyce Steinbrunner
- Rod and Kelly Stover
- Dennis and Betty Strawn
- Bob and Joan Vonderhaar
- Matt and Mandy Wendel
- Joe and Donna Whitacre
- Roger and Nancy Wolters
- Mercer County Civic Foundation
** Charter Members
Cumulative Giving Recognition
The MED Foundation and Mercer Health express our appreciation and gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions to help Mercer Health fulfill its mission and vision to enhance the health care within our community.
Diamond $250,000 & above
- Doris Cheeseman
- Francis and Joan Pax Family
- Thomas Sanderell
- Mercer Health Charity Ball
- Maurice and Mary Ann Harting
- VJ and Marilyn Westerheide
- Cooper Family Foundation
- HCF Management, Inc.
- Pax Machine Works
- The Peoples Bank Co.
- Don and Kit Desch Family
- Bob and Sharon Hibner
- Richard (Red) Luken
- Celina Insurance Group
- First Financial Bank
- J&M Manufacturing
- Nidec Minster
- Stachler Concrete
- Superior Credit Union
- The St. Henry Bank
- Anonymous Donor
- Evelyn Bensman
- Ted and Diana Bertke
- Dr. Mark and Christine Brown
- Neil and Pat Diller
- Herb and Janice Grieshop
- Jack and JoAnn Hartings
- Roger and Lisa Klenke
- Jerry and Nancy Meyer
- Dr. James and Nicole Reichert
- Barbara Riley
- Citizens National Bank
- Coldwater Machine Company
- Columbus Radiology
- Community Sports and Therapy Center
- Emergency Physicians Group
- First Financial Bank
- Hemmelgarn & Sons, Inc.
- Mercer Savings Bank
- Miller’s Textile Co.
- Moeller Trucking
- Park National Bank
- Precision Strip
- Preferred Insurance Center
- Ray’s Refrigeration
- St. Henry Tile Company
- St. Marys Foundry
- Thieman Tailgate
- Dr. Thangaraj and Vennila Amaran
- Rob and Nancy Belna
- Dr. Craig and Melinda Dues
- Dave and Dot Garman
- John and Jan Hoying
- Dr. Rajendra and Lakshmi Kakarla
- Tom and Ann Knapke Family
- Jack and Bonnie Knapschaefer
- Gary and Vickie Lefeld
- Stan and Marge Lefeld
- Steve and Diane Lefeld
- Virgil and Carol Lochtefeld
- John and Doris Maras
- Jerry and Nancy Meyer
- Gary and Donna Moeller
- Chris and Dancie Mohler
- Dr. Venkatarao and Rangamma Neelati Family
- Dr. Terry and Vicki Roode
- Chuck Stammen
- Mike and Cindy Wenning
- Jim Werling
- Floyd and Judy Winner
- Lee and Rita Wissman
- John and Lynn Yoder
- Columbus Radiology
- Cooper Farms
- Floral Reflections
- Innovative Office Solutions
- Keybridge Medical Revenue
- The Kiwanis Club of Coldwater
- Leugers Insurance
- Mercer County Joint Township Community Hospital Medical Staff
- Mercer Health Care Foundation
- Mercer Health Volunteer Association
- The Messenger Press
- Minster Bank
- Moorman, Harting & Co.
- Osgood State Bank
- Otterbein SeniorLife
- Remer Holding & The Galleria
- Stammen Insurance
- Wabash Mutual
- G.A. Wintzer & Son Company
- Cory and Jenna Albers
- Mark and Michelle Ashman
- Steve and Mary Ann Badgett
- Earl and Berneice Baltes
- Stephen and Joan Barry
- bob and Mary Beer
- George and Kay Boyles
- Gary L. Bruns
- Jason and Leah Bruns
- Kerry and Shelly Bruns
- Dr. Mike and Donna Bruns
- Collin and Paula Bryan
- David and Cheryl Bubp
- Nathan and Lynn Burtch
- Ed and Lisa Buschur
- Dr. Carla Cameron
- Scott and Jenny Conn
- Dr. Megan and Blaise Core
- Mauri and Dolores Cron
- Paula Detterman
- Jon and Brandi Dingledine
- Cale and Danielle Dues
- Tom and Denise Eilerman
- Dr. Wilfred Ellis
- Renee Evers
- Richard and Janice Fiely
- Sean and Linda Finke
- Dr. Donn Fishbein
- Glen Florence Family
- Tom and Patty Forsthoefel Family
- Charles and Ann Froning
- Dave and Dot Garman
- Ken and Patti Gelhaus
- Shannon and Judy Grieshop
- Ralph and Connie Guggenbiller
- Marcus and Alicia Guggenbiller
- Jim and Elaine Harting
- Jeff and Patty Hazel
- Ron and Donna Heckler
- Bill and Deb Hemmelgarn
- Craig and Jodi Homan
- Greg and Lori Homan
- Robert and Connie Homan
- Dr. Ed and Therese Hosbach
- Elden and Marjorie Houts
- Glenn and Sylvia Hux
- Helen James
- Tim James
- Tony and Anita Jutte
- Pavan Kakarla
- Jerry and Lorri Kaup
- Randy and Cindy Kaup
- Ben and Tracy Knapke
- Gregg Knapke
- Carl and Cathy Koesters
- Scott and Mindy Kremer
- Brent and Angie Lefeld
- Hank and Trudie Lefeld
- Cy and Helen LeFevre
- Terry and Cindy Liette
- D.J. and Nan List
- DeWayne and Billie Kay Marsee
- Joe and Terri Mesarvey
- Tim and Nancy Mescher
- Kathleen Mestemaker
- Craig and Susan Miller
- Ben and Lindsey Moeller
- Jeff and Mary Monfort
- Dr. Peter and Victoria Moreland
- Eric and Sharon Muhlenkamp
- Rick and Diane Muhlenkamp
- Dr. Ramchandra and Neeraja Nallu
- Adrian and Linda Noll
- Mike and Kay Pax
- Steve and Marlene Pax
- Tyler and Morgan Post
- Kenneth and Debra Puthoff
- Jim and Judy Rentz
- David and Carla Romer
- John and Betty Romer
- Dr. David and Edna Rosado
- Rick and Shelly Ross
- Adam and Molli Schleucher
- Joe and Starr Schmitmeyer
- Dale and Nancy Schwieterman
- Keith and Bobbi Selhorst
- Mike and Cindy Shaffer
- Martin Shehan
- Aaron and Kris Siefring
- Morris Siefring Family
- Bruce and Darlene Slavik Family
- Mark and Kathy Speelman
- John and Kathy Spoltman
- Craig and Audrey Stammen
- Charles and Lucy Staugler
- Bob and Joyce Steinbrunner
- Bob and Eileen Stelzer
- Dr. John G. Terpstra
- David and Janet Uhlenhake
- Gary and Barb Uhlenhake Family
- Jeremy and Dee Uhlenhake
- Dr. Ross L. Warren
- Dan and Diane Wellman
- Ed and Linda Wellman
- Matt and Mandy Wendel
- Dr. Ben and Becca Wenning
- Chuck and Karen Wenning
- Jack and Mary Lou Wenning
- Jim and Nancy Wermert
- Paul and Norma Wermert
- Thomas J. and Beth Westgerdes
- Floyd and Judy Winner
- Drs. Jonathan and Michelle Winner
- Dave and Elaine Wolters
- Roger and Nancy Wolters
- Kevin and Holly Wuebker Family
- Steve and Judy Zehringer Family
- Avid
- Bella’s Italian Grille
- Blue & Co.
- Briarwood Village
- Bricker and Eckler
- Buschur’s Unlimited
- Celina Combined Services Appeal
- Celina Eagles 1291
- Celina Manor
- Celina Moose #1473
- Celina Rotary Club
- Celina Tent
- Chickasaw Machine and Tool
- Coldwater Dental
- Design Group
- DRI Rubber
- Dynamic Federal Credit Union
- E.S. Evans and Company
- EverHeart Hospice
- Fort Recovery Industries
- Great American Insurance
- Hemmelgarn Benefits LLC
- Hogenkamp Funeral Homes
- Homan, Inc.
- Hot Brass Personal Defense
- Howell, Gast-Schlater & Co., L.P.A.
- Infectious Disease Inc.
- Jammin’ for the Frontlines
- Kenn-Feld Group LLC.
- KeyBridge Medical Revenue
- Knapschaefer Insurance
- Lamm’s Insurance
- LCS, Inc.
- Lefeld Industrial & Welding Supplies
- McDonalds Restaurant
- MedBen
- Mercer County Civic Foundation
- Midwest Rebuilds
- Moeller Brew Barn
- The Mr. Shoppe
- Muhlenkamp Building Corporation
- Niswonger Performing Arts Center
- Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, Inc.
- Perry pro Tech
- Phi Beta Psi Sorority
- RB Advertising
- RCS Construction
- Recovery Sorting
- Reliable Tent Rental
- Schockman Lumber
- Schwieterman Custom Body Shop
- SecurCom, Inc.
- St. Henry Dental
- St. Mary’s Surgical Associates
- Wm. Siefring Farms, LLC
- Stover Bros.
- Sycamore Group
- Tailspin & Barnstorm Brewing Company
- Tomorrow’s Technology Today
- Trillium Resources
- USI Insurance Services
- VonLehman & Company
- WCORHA
- Weigand Construction
Giving Tuesday is a global movement that was created to reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.
The MED Foundation collaborates year-round to inspire generosity in our community, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.
Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.
Giving Tuesday is always the following Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Each year a specific project is selected for the funds to be used for.
Donate on Giving Tuesday
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:
We believe our donors deserve to know how we operate. We PROMISE to provide the commitments listed here.
The Healing Garden at Mercer Health
The Healing Garden at Mercer Health is a dedicated outdoor space designed to provide therapeutic benefits. With flowers, shrubs, a fountain and more, patients and their families will find a meaningful place of rest, relaxation and recovery. The Healing Garden is conveniently located directly outside of the atrium, near the south entrance.
At Mercer Health, we strongly believe a hospital’s surroundings can positively affect the mood, stress level and overall well-being of our patients and their families. In fact, clinical studies have found that viewing nature produces positive changes in a patient’s blood pressure, heart activity, muscle tension and brain activity. The Healing Garden at Mercer Health has been created with these benefits and healing effects of nature in mind.
We welcome your support of the Healing Garden. Your tribute ensures a timeless way to honor someone you love. Engraved pavers for the Healing Garden may be purchased by submitting a completed donation form to the MED Foundation. Other options such as trees or benches may be available upon request.
Barb's Closet
Barb’s Closet is a resource housed in the Emergency Department at Mercer Health offering clothing, basic care items and personal care items to patients.
Barb’s Closet was founded by a group of St. Henry natives and retired nurses – Betty Nietfeld, Ethel Kaiser, Jane Kleinhenz, Anita Hemmelgarn and Ann Beyke, in honor of their late friend Barb Huelsman.
Barb had a loving relationship with God and a deep prayer life. She had a heart of gold and dearly loved her family and friends. Sadly, Barb passed away on September 17, 2021. Barb was pure love and was constantly showing those around her how much she loved them. She was the spirit of kindness, giving and loving, and enriched many lives. Never wanting to draw attention to herself, she was always ready to help in any way she could.
Barb’s Closet is the result of the efforts to continue Barb’s labor of love, of helping others in need. If you would like to support Barb’s Closet by making a tax deductible monetary donation, please send via mail to the MED Foundation, 800 W. Main Street Coldwater, Ohio 45828 and designate to Barb’s Closet.
History of the MED Foundation
December 15, 1988 – The Medical, Educational and Development Foundation (MED Foundation) of Mercer Health held its first Board meeting. The organization was established by a group of community leaders and hospital administration, to provide for enhancements and for educational support for the future of health care services within our community.
March 9, 1989 – A slate of officers were established for the MED Foundation.
1992 – The MED Foundation Board of Directors made a commitment to provide one $500 scholarship to a graduating student from each of the schools in Mercer County who planned to pursue a career in a Health Care field with hopes they return to provide care to the residents of Mercer County.
1993 – The MED Foundation Golf Outing began as a fundraiser for the Scholarship Program. The golf outings have been held every year as the primary support for the Scholarships.
1997 – The Golf Outing was renamed to the “Esmonde-Homan Memorial Golf Outing” in memory of MED Foundation Board Members and volunteers who lost their lives in 1996 following a fundraiser event for the Foundation; Ken Esmonde Sr., Chloe Esmonde, Ken Esmonde Jr.
2008 – The MED Foundation and Mercer Health determined they needed a person to manage the functions of the MED Foundation and move the activities of the foundation forward. John Hoying was hired as the Development Director of Mercer Health. The part-time position started in August and after reviewing the structure of the organization the MED Foundation took on new activities.
2008 – The MED Foundation began the “Friends of the MED Foundation” to support the activities of Mercer Health and to cultivate philanthropic relationships that enhance Mercer Health’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision. The “Friends” are individuals who care about the health of the residents in our community and want to ensure the Mercer Health organization has the tools available to take care of our local healthcare needs.
2012 – The Memorial Walkway was established to recognize and memorialize family and friends of the Mercer Health organization. A Dedication Ceremony is held annually or bi-annually for new pavers.
2013 – The Donor Recognition Wall was established in the Outpatient Services Waiting Area at Mercer Health due to the generosity of donors.
2014 – The former Annex Building was memorialized, which originally housed the nuns operating Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, now known as Mercer Health, with a monument near the West Entrance of Mercer County Community Hospital. The cross on the monument originated from the front of the Annex. The memorial was made possible due to the generosity of a dedicated donor.
2014 – Deb Hemmelgarn begins as the Director of MED Foundation, and in 2021 becomes Director of MED Foundation & Volunteer Services.
2015 – The Mercer Health Charity Ball was reinstated along with a Corvette Raffle. A Charity Ball coordinated by the Mercer County Community Hospital Auxiliary took place from 1950 to the early 1990’s when the Auxiliary organization dissolved. In 2015, the MED Foundation and the Charity Ball Committee not only reinstated the popular fundraiser but also added a Corvette Raffle.
2016-2018 – The Building on a Promise campaign raised $6 million through the generosity of community members and local businesses for the Sanderell Family West Wing expansion that opened on October 22, 2018.
2018 – The Memorial Walkway was renamed to The Healing Garden at Mercer Health and relocated to outside of the atrium, near the South entrance.
2021 – The first annual Giving Tuesday Campaign was held which is part of a global movement that reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.
2023 – Barb’s Closet, a resource housed in the Emergency Department at Mercer Health offering clothing, basic care items and personal care items to patients, was founded by a group of St. Henry natives in honor of their late friend Barb Huelsman.
Our Mission
The Mission of the Medical, Educational & Development (MED) Foundation is to cultivate philanthropic relationships that enhance Mercer Health’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision.
Our Vision
To provide the tools for our Donors to contribute to the Medical, Educational & Development (MED) Foundation and enjoy the financial, educational and emotional fulfillment for enhancement of health care within our community.
Contact Information
- John Yoder, President, At-Large, 2024
- Ellen Homan, Vice President, Washington Township, 2024
- Emily Gast-Schlater, Secretary, Granville Township, 2025
- Doug Klosterman, Treasurer, Franklin Township, 2023
- Thangaraj Amaran, M.D., At-Large, 2024
- Lisa Klenke, Mercer Health CEO
- Pam Hicks, Recovery Township, 2026
- John Hoying, At-Large, 2024
- Bonnie Knapschaefer, Butler Township, 2024
- Kerri Lauber, Jefferson, 2025
- Phil Moeller, At-Large, 2026
- Cody Muhlenkamp, At-Large, 2025
- Carl Pohl, Marion Township, 2025
- Rod Stover, Hopewell Township, 2023
- Mary Lou Wenning, At-Large, 2023
Board of Governors Representatives
- Steve Lefeld, Franklin Township
- VJ Westerheide, Butler Township
The Medical, Educational and Development Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the MED Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
MED Foundation