DOYLESTOWN, PA — Doylestown Health and Doylestown Health Foundation celebrated two extraordinary milestones, both years in the making, over a four-day weekend of events from October 6 through 9.
Special celebrations for “One Vision: The Campaign for Doylestown Health” and Doylestown Hospital’s Centennial honored a century of philanthropy and community support.
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Doylestown Hospital was founded on October 9, 1923, and the centennial celebration converged with the announcement that the campaign exceeded its goal, raising $105 million in philanthropic commitments.
“One Vision” is the first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign for Doylestown Health. Since the public launch in June 2018, Doylestown Health has seen record-breaking generosity from its supporters, inspired by a wide range of campaign priorities to sustain its tradition of excellence and build for the next century of award-winning care.
The initial campaign goal of $75 million was increased to $100 million in 2021, three years into a five-year campaign.
“The One Vision campaign has transformed Doylestown Health in many ways, and the impact of these philanthropic investments has been far-reaching and deeply profound,” said Jim Brexler, FACHE, President and CEO.
Through One Vision, Doylestown Health has invested in programs, technology, facilities, and people across the health system. Support from more than 8,000 donors — nearly half, first-time donors — contributed nearly 40,000 gifts.
Visionary gifts from campaign chairs Dick and Angela Clark and honorary chairs, Alex and Pat Gorsky, are the largest single gifts in the hospital’s history. Of note, funding from estate gifts comprised nearly $23 million of the campaign total.
To celebrate themilestones, a series of special events hosted at the historic Fordhook Farm in Doylestown began on Friday, October 6 with a One Vision and Centennial-themed food truck festival for Doylestown Health Associates, medical staff, and volunteers. More than 300 guests enjoyed delicious fare from local vendors along with music by Keith Garner and the Genuine Impostors band featuring Doylestown Health’s own Dr. Doug Nadel.
On Saturday evening, October 7, trustees, health system leaders, and visionary benefactors of “One Vision” gathered to celebrate the transformational impact it has had across the health system.
“It’s the beginning of a new chapter, a new century in the life of this organization,” said Alex Gorsky, who joined his wife, Pat, in serving as One Vision Honorary Chairs. “Together, we are ensuring Doylestown Health is relevant for the future.
“Most of you are aware of how Pat and I have built our careers in healthcare,” said Alex, former chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson. “We have observed healthcare delivery all over the world. What is uniquely Doylestown is the special way advanced medicine is delivered with true compassion–the human touch.”
“Thousands of gifts from our own medical staff, nurses, associates, and volunteers have been truly awe-inspiring,” said Laura Wortman, vice president and Chief Advancement Officer. “It’s a milestone moment for philanthropy at Doylestown Health and our community. We are truly and deeply grateful to everyone who made an investment in our award-winning healthcare system.”
“Doylestown Hospital has been here for this community for one hundred years and cared for four
generations of our family with compassion and excellence. We are personally grateful to everyone who answered our invitation to support the future of healthcare in our community,” said Angela and Dick Clark, One Vision campaign chairs and Hospital Trustee.
Within the last few years, the completion of the Cardiovascular and Critical Care Pavilion, Doylestown Health’s Ambulatory Center, and other capital projects have accelerated the hospital’s growth and expanded the health system’s ability to deliver care across a broad spectrum of preventive, routine, and acute care.
Additional initiatives supported by philanthropy also include:
- New patient units featuring universal beds, advancing Doylestown Health’s commitment to transition to an all-private bed hospital.
- The Clark Center for Breast Imaging, established in a new location on the ground floor of the hospital, offers advanced technology and expanded space to accommodate more patients in a comfortable setting.
- Rebuilding Children’s Village on the hospital campus after tornado damage rendered the former location unusable.
- The Morel Family Foundation Center for Prenatal Care, providing an expanded and enhanced suite for diagnostics, prenatal care, and education.
- The growth of the Doylestown Health Legacy Endowment Fund, securing a permanent source of funding and safeguarding the future of Doylestown Health.
Through One Vision, Doylestown Health has recruited new specialists, established the first-ever endowed chair, and launched residency training programs in pharmacy and family medicine.
The weekend celebrations continued with the annual Doylestown Health Foundation Special Recognition Reception on Sunday afternoon, October 8, which provided a unique opportunity for donors to learn more about the impact of philanthropy and the vision for the next phase of innovation and patient care excellence at Doylestown Health.
George Ball, the chairman of the W. Atlee Burpee & Company and owner of Fordhook Farm, invited guests to explore the world-renowned botanical gardens by foot or trolley.
The weekend’s festvities culminated on Monday, October 9, when members of the Doylestown
community gathered on the Doylestown Hospital campus for a special flag-raising ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Doylestown Emergency Hospital on October 9, 1923, by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA).
Jim Brexler, FACHE, President and CEO of Doylestown Health, was joined by Marianne Chabot, Chair of the Boards of Trustees for Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health Foundation, and Helen Hammes, President of the VIA, in giving remarks honoring the inaugural Founder’s Day and offering thanks to the community for a century of unwavering support.
The Lenape Middle School choir and Central Bucks High School West marching band lent musical talent to the flag-raising and rededication of the hospital.
“This campaign has changed Doylestown Health in truly profound ways,” said Laura Wortman. “Patients, physicians, nurses, Associates, and volunteers — now and in the future — will benefit from the vision and generosity of donors who care deeply about our mission and the work that we do.”
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