A MILESTONE FOR WAMEGO: $110,225 RAISED!
Wamego, you have officially redefined what community support looks like. At this year’s Diamonds and Denim event on May 1, 2026, we set out with an ambitious goal to begin to fund the next chapter of local healthcare. Because of your incredible generosity—both before the event and during our “Fund the Need” appeal—we didn’t just meet our $50,000 goal. We didn’t just reach our $75,000 stretch goal.
Together, we raised a record-breaking $110,275 in direct philanthropy.
The Mission: Growing Our Walls, Keeping Care Local
As Wamego grows, so does our responsibility to provide the high-quality, personal care our neighbors deserve. This total is dedicated exclusively to a future facility expansion. While people, equipment, and technology are vital, we simply need more space to continue serving our patients effectively.
Why This Matters: Wamego Health Center was recently recognized by the National Rural Hospital Association as a top rural hospital in the nation. This expansion ensures our facility reflects the needs of our community and the expertise of our staff.
Project Status: From Vision to Design
We know you are eager to see the “bricks and mortar” of your investment. Architectural teams are finalizing proposals for the City of Wamego. Once these proposals are reviewed and a proposal approved by the city, we will officially enter the Design Phase. We are committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way.
Building on a Legacy of Success
This expansion is the next step in a journey we’ve walked together. Your past generosity has already brought transformative changes to Wamego, including:
- Cutting-Edge Tech: Implementation of 3D Mammography and MRI upgrades.
- Surgical Excellence: Significant enhancements to our Operating Rooms.
- Future Talent: The creation of the $200,000 Healthcare Education Endowment, supporting advanced training for our current providers.
Thank you for being the heart of the Wamego Health Center. You are helping to keep compassionate care local.
Stay connected
Reach out to Chris Spooner at christopher.spooner@ascension.org or 785-587-5462.
Make a gift in honor or memory of someone special
The Wamego Hospital Foundation’s mission is to support the Wamego Health Center in achieving excellence in medical services by funding upgrades to facilities and equipment and programs that promote wellness and access to superb, local healthcare. Your contribution will help fuel this mission. Contact Chris Spooner at christopher.spooner@ascension.org or 785-587-5462.
BUILDING TOMORROW’S CAREGIVERS: THE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION ENDOWMENT
The Wamego Community Health Foundation (WCHF) is proud to announce it has successfully raised over $100,000 for its Education Endowment Fund, exceeding its initial fundraising goal. This significant achievement triggers a dollar-for-dollar match from the Foundation, bringing the total endowment to more than $200,000 dedicated to supporting healthcare education for Wamego Health Center associates.
Launched in October 2024, the fundraising campaign aimed to create a permanent Education Endowment Fund to provide ongoing scholarship support for individuals pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields. The Foundation committed $100,000 in existing funds to match community contributions. The success of this initiative was bolstered by strong community support through various giving opportunities, including Wamego Match Day and the Diamonds and Denim event.
“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our community,” said. “Reaching this milestone so quickly is a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering a strong healthcare workforce right here in Wamego. This endowment will have a lasting impact, ensuring our dedicated hospital associates have the opportunity to advance their skills and bring vital new services to our community.”
Amy Flinn, Board Chair
Wamego Community Health Foundation
The Wamego Hospital Foundation currently provides scholarships that have directly led to the introduction of new services within the community, such as wound care and pelvic floor rehabilitation. This endowment will significantly expand the Foundation’s capacity to empower Wamego Health Center associates to pursue further education and technical training in health-related fields.
“This endowment is a game-changer for our associates and, by extension, for the quality of care we can provide to our patients. Investing in the professional development of our staff addresses the national shortage of qualified healthcare workers and sends a clear message of support to our incredible team. We’ve already seen the tangible benefits of these scholarships in the specialized services we can now offer, and we look forward to even greater advancements.”
Brian Howells, Hospital Administrator
Wamego Health Center
All contributions to the Education Endowment Fund will be uniquely administered and responsibly invested by the Foundation, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure long-term preservation of capital, asset growth, and alignment with donor intent. The income and interest generated from the endowment will be used to support annual scholarships and educational grants.
WAMEGO MATCH DAY IS OCTOBER 2
The Wamego Hospital Foundation’s goal for Wamego Match Day is to raise $30,000. Wamego Match Day is a crucial opportunity for our community to come together and substantially impact the future of healthcare.
Funds donated will be available to assist with a future facilities expansion at the Wamego Health Center’. Today, the Foundation recognizes the need for and anticipates a future facilities expansion of the Wamego Health Center. While leaders have not yet defined a specific project, planning is underway and the Foundation is eager to begin gathering financial support in various forms to support a future facilities expansion. With Wamego Match Day approaching, the Foundation will ask donors to begin sharing their support for a future facilities expansion.
Donations are eligible for a prorated match based on the total amount raised and the available matching pool. For example, if an organization raises 7.5% of the total donations, they will receive 7.5% of the matching funds.
GIVING
To provide your financial support for the Wamego Health Center, click here. A check can be mailed to the Wamego Hospital Foundation 711 Genn Drive, Wamego, KS 66547 or dropped off at the Wamego Health Center.
2026 DIAMONDS AND DENIM
Join family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members on Friday, May 1, 2026 for the 2026 Diamonds and Denim fundraising event at The Columbian Theatre. More information to come.
About Wamego Hospital Foundation
The Wamego Hospital Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Our mission is to support the Wamego Health Center in achieving excellence in medical services by funding upgrades to facilities and equipment and programs that promote wellness and access to superb, local healthcare.
Other ways to make a contribution include:
- Pledges
- Annual Giving
- Planned Gifts
- Gifts of Securities, Life Insurance, Annuities
- Gifts of Real Property
- Matching Gifts
- Memorial Gifts
- Tribute Gifts
Leadership
Wamego Hospital Foundation Board
Chair – Amy Flinn
Vice Chair – Dr. John McQuillen
Treasurer – Rich Shermoen
Members: Casie Hartwich, Jeff Kohlmeier, Sarah McVay, Sarah Pacheco, Jake Pugh, and John Watt
Hospital Administrator: Brian Howells
Foundation Director: Chris Spooner