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The San Angelo Health Foundation has been providing financial support to non-profit organizations since 1997. Since its inception, over $37 million has been given to aid a wide variety of projects that enhance the quality of life for the people of the San Angelo area. Though grants support a variety of worthy causes, the three largest areas of focus are health care, education and human services.
This year, I would like to take this opportunity to focus comments on health care, a natural interest of mine as a practicing physician in San Angelo for over thirty years. This is an important mission of the SAHF since the original endowment came from the sale of Angelo Community Hospital in 1995. Grants supporting health care exceed $8.7 million. This encompasses nearly 24% of our total grants. Of this $8.7 million in grants, $5.5 million were due to the generous gift of Myrtle Williams who directed that funds be specifically used for health care projects.
Of the 105 grants supporting health care, I would like to spotlight three separate groups: (1) Esperanza Health & Dental Centers, (2) the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and (3) Trent’s Retreat. The Esperanza Health & Dental Centers have received ten separate grants for nearly $1.5 million in support since September of 1992. The SAHF recognizes the critical need for health care access for the uninsured and underinsured in our community. We are pleased to support an institution that addresses these needs. The WTRC has supported rehabilitative health care in the Concho Valley since 1977, regardless of ability to pay. This fine organization has received eight separate grants totaling over $900,000 to help continue its mission in our community. Finally, just this past year the SAHF made a small grant of $69,024 to help support Trent’s Retreat. This project’s goal is to provide a place of respite for the families dealing with the stresses of childhood cancer. The grounds and this home on a beautiful river in nearby Ballinger will be used as a short term retreat for their families.
Last year, the SAHF granted $3,075,359 to 23 non-profit groups in the Concho Valley. Our goal is to support a healthy community in perpetuity. On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to encourage area nonprofits to contact our Foundation staff concerning funding for future community endeavors.
Robert S. Patyrak, M.D., Chairman
Board of Trustees
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