On Aug. 25, 1953, the Jackson County Schneck Memorial Hospital Foundation was approved to operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to accept tax-deductible donations.

The next year on May 25, the first board of directors meeting was held at Seymour Country Club. Arthur S. Kaufman was elected chairman, James L. Rogers was named vice chairman, Helen Robertson was tabbed secretary and Harry Fox served as treasurer.

The goal of the first fundraising campaign, Doors that Never Close, was to raise $850,000 to support the hospital enlargement project. That goal in today’s dollars equals approximately $9.5 million.

Just four months later, the minutes reflected $765,000 had been given or pledged, and attempts would be made to raise the remaining $85,000 to meet the goal.

Ultimately, they raised nearly $856,000.

By 1957, construction was complete, and all accounts were paid in full except for a $7,000 bill from the architects because several points still needed clarifying.

Kaufman, the board and the community received a letter from U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower praising the work. He noted, “When people of a community can do such a big job by themselves, everyone in our nation should join in applause.”

“We agree and are thankful for our founding members’ passion and commitment to the organization,” current Schneck Foundation President Stephanie Flinn said during Thursday night’s 70th anniversary holiday reception at The Pines Evergreen Room in Seymour.

Laura Kirtley, the foundation’s current board president, expounded upon the role generosity plays in the organization.

She said the philanthropic spirit of Mary Schneck, whose gifts helped build a community hospital in Seymour in 1911, is still strong today as thousands of donors support the hospital.

“From our dedicated and caring staff, 80% of which give back to the foundation through the employee giving club, EPiC, to our community members who provide their support through memorials, Giving Tuesday initiatives and other causes near and dear to their hearts, our 70-year-old foundation is thriving,” Kirtley said.

She recognized members of the Schneck Society, who have a deep commitment to Schneck and its longstanding tradition of providing quality health care for its communities and pledge $10,000 or more to the foundation.

Also honored were the foundation’s board of directors, committee members and past board members.

The celebration also included introduction of Schneck’s newest class of physicians, who shared why they wanted to be a physician.

To conclude the event, Dr. Eric Fish, the hospital’s president and CEO, shared how Schneck and the foundation have grown over the years.

In a video, Gary Meyer and Warren Forgey discussed the synergy during their time as president and CEO of Schneck.

Fish noted them mentioning community support, exceptional staff and culture and family and community atmosphere.

“Since 1911, our organization has worked hard to instill and uphold these fundamental principles,” he said.

“As the current president and CEO, I can attest that the support of our communities, combined with our exceptional team members, emphasizes our values of integrity, compassion, vision and excellence and enables us to continue improving the health of our communities as an independent medical center,” Fish said.

Speaking for himself and the team he represents, Fish closed by saying, “We recognize and appreciate your work as ambassadors of Schneck Medical Center and look forward to the impact we’ll make together over the next 70 years.”