PORT ANGELES — Generous donations to the Olympic Medical Center Foundation are set to significantly enhance both the OMC Pediatrics Clinic and the George and Barbara Brown Scholarship Fund. This scholarship initiative is pivotal not only in enabling local students to advance their medical careers but also in fostering a homegrown staff that will benefit the community’s healthcare system.
During a recent meeting with the OMC commissioners, Bruce Skinner, the executive director of the OMC Foundation, announced that the foundation had received remarkable donations amounting to $181,316.34. Of this total, the OMC Pediatrics Clinic will be allocated $31,316.34, while an impressive $150,000 will bolster the scholarship fund, which has already supported 45 aspiring medical professionals.
In a heartwarming display of generosity, donors George Brown and Margery Whites, both of Sequim, shared a meal with 14 recipients from a group of 31 students who received scholarships. This event provided an opportunity for the students to express their gratitude at the hospital commissioners’ meeting.
Brown is committed to contributing $100,000 to the scholarship fund in the near future, a significant part of his larger pledge totaling $500,000, of which he has already contributed $300,000.
The latest major donor, Margery Whites, has recently pledged an additional $50,000 to the scholarship fund. She relocated to the area from Minnesota with her husband, Larry Roth, after their retirement, having previously worked as a language and speech pathologist.
Both Brown and Whites honor the memory of their late spouses through their philanthropy, reflecting on the exceptional care provided by OMC during their loved ones’ final days. “We need to continue to provide quality care,” Whites expressed, highlighting the importance of supporting local healthcare.
Skinner emphasized to the commissioners that the scholarship initiative originated from an idea put forth by OMC’s CEO, Darryl Wolfe. He shared, “For the first 33 years here, I met with the CEO regarding necessary equipment,” indicating that earlier fundraising efforts were primarily directed towards physical needs rather than workforce development. Wolfe’s insight into the community’s pressing need for skilled medical personnel led to the establishment of this transformative scholarship fund, which is now celebrating its second year.
The scholarship is designed to alleviate the financial burdens of students, covering not only tuition, books, and fees, but also essential living expenses. This support is particularly crucial for students, many of whom juggle parenting duties while working multiple jobs to support their families, allowing them the flexibility to focus on their education. Most of the scholarship recipients attend Peninsula College, and each one is evaluated for potential employment at OMC post-graduation.
Numerous scholarship recipients took the opportunity to express their heartfelt thanks to the foundation and donors for their contributions, which they describe as instrumental in realizing their educational aspirations. “I started 10 to 12 years ago, started trying to become a nurse,” recounts Devanee Cipriano, a single mother who worked as a medical assistant. She credits the scholarship for making her dream of advancing her nursing career a tangible reality.
Kayla Keller, another scholarship recipient, spoke passionately before the commissioners: “I can’t wait to be at OMC and give back to the community to show thanks for everything you have put into us.”
Among the attendees were current medical personnel at OMC, such as Stacia Kiesser and Elizabeth Wood, both utilizing the scholarship for ongoing education. Some are pursuing advanced degrees, including master’s and doctorates, with the intention of bringing their enhanced expertise back to OMC, thereby enriching the local healthcare landscape.
The meeting also featured other scholarship winners, including Joshua Bolton, IrieAna Brown, Simon Close, Lara Eash, Karissa Hayter, Alexanda Parrill, Devon Scribner, Sharon Senner, Tila Stackhouse, and Elizabeth Wood. In a moment of recognition, the commissioners honored Skinner with a pen set to celebrate his recent lifetime achievement award from the Washington Festivals and Events Association.
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Leah Leach is a former executive editor for Peninsula Daily News.
What strategies are in place to ensure that the funds raised by the Olympic Medical Center Foundation will be effectively utilized to support local healthcare initiatives?
**Interview with Bruce Skinner, Executive Director of the Olympic Medical Center Foundation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Bruce. The Olympic Medical Center Foundation recently received some impressive donations that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on local healthcare. Can you tell us more about the total amount raised and how it will be allocated?
**Bruce Skinner:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. We are thrilled to announce that we’ve received a total of $181,316.34 in donations. Of this amount, $31,316.34 will support enhancements to the OMC Pediatrics Clinic, which is vital for our community’s younger patients. The remaining $150,000 will go directly into the George and Barbara Brown Scholarship Fund, which has already aided 45 aspiring medical professionals in our region.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful news for both the clinic and the students! I understand that there was a special event where donors and scholarship recipients interacted. What was that experience like?
**Bruce Skinner:** It was truly heartwarming. Donors George Brown and Margery Whites hosted a meal with 14 of the scholarship recipients. It gave these students an opportunity to express their gratitude directly to the individuals who are making a significant difference in their education and career paths. This interaction fosters a wonderful connection between the community and those who will eventually serve it in the healthcare field.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of donors, can you elaborate on their contributions and what motivates them?
**Bruce Skinner:** Yes, both George Brown and Margery Whites are not only incredibly generous but also have a deep personal motivation for their philanthropy. Mr. Brown has already pledged a total of $500,000 to the scholarship fund, contributing $300,000 to date and planning to give an additional $100,000. Margery has pledged $50,000, honoring the memory of their late spouses who received care at OMC. They both emphasize that quality care is essential, which is reflected in their commitment to supporting local healthcare through these scholarships.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the scholarship fund is not only helping alleviate financial burdens for students but also ensuring that we are cultivating a skilled workforce within the community. Can you explain how important it is to support these future medical professionals?
**Bruce Skinner:** It’s crucial. The scholarship fund is designed to cover various expenses—tuition, books, and even living costs—allowing students to focus on their education rather than financial stress. Many of these students balance education with parenting and jobs, so our support truly makes a difference. Ultimately, this initiative aims to bolster our local healthcare workforce, directly benefiting our community by fostering homegrown talent.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what’s the future vision for the scholarship fund and its impact on the local healthcare system?
**Bruce Skinner:** Our vision is to expand the scholarship fund and increase the number of individuals we can support each year. As the demand for skilled medical personnel continues to grow, especially in rural areas, we want to ensure that OMC can retain these professionals locally. With the continued support of our community and generous donors, we hope to see more graduates contributing to healthcare in Port Angeles and beyond.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Bruce. Your insights highlight the importance of community support in healthcare and the profound impact it can have on future generations. We look forward to hearing more about the progress of the program.
**Bruce Skinner:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for healthcare in our community, and I appreciate the opportunity to share this important work!