Campaign For Doylestown Health Surpasses Historic $100M Milestone (2024)

Reaching the milestone comes at a pivotal time for Doylestown Health, which was financially impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Posted Mon, Apr 3, 2023 at 1:33 pm ET

The "One Vision Campaign" received the support of more than 8,000 donors — nearly half, first-time donors — who contributed nearly 40,000 gifts totaling $100.3 million, according to campaign leaders. The money will be invested into programs, technology, facilities and people across the health system.

“With exceptional generosity, the people of our community have come together to strengthen Doylestown Health as we launch our second century of care,” said Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health.

Philanthropic investments in "One Vision" have included the largest single gifts in Doylestown
Health’s history, including visionary gifts from campaign chairs Dick and Angela Clark and honorary chairs, Alex and Pat Gorsky. Of note, funding from estate gifts comprised nearly $23 million of the campaign total.

“By investing in Doylestown Health, our donors are investing in the health of our community,” said Marianne Chabot, chair of the Boards of Trustees for Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health Foundation.

A planned gift from anonymous donors pushed the campaign past the $100 million goal mark.

The Doylestown Hospital Campus. (Contributed)

“It’s very meaningful to us that this is the gift that helped us reach this milestone,” said Chabot. “This couple supported the hospital for the past decade through modest annual donations. Their
consistent support, together with their estate gift, strengthens healthcare delivery now and in the
future,” she said. A portion of each planned gift is designated to support immediate needs while
the balance is invested to help grow Doylestown Health’s endowment.

“Thousands of gifts from our own medical staff, nurses, associates and volunteers have been truly awe-inspiring,” says Laura Wortman, vice president and chief advancement officer. “Our teams have already demonstrated their compassion and dedication through serving at the toughest times — especially the last three years,” she said. “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 100 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, the Pine Run Community Center, and other capital
projects has accelerated the hospital’s growth and expanded the health system’s ability to deliver
care across a wide 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, offering advanced technology, and expanded space to accommodate more patients in a comfortable setting.

• Rebuilding Children’s Village after tornado damage rendered the former location unusable.

• The Morel Family Foundation Center for Prenatal Care, 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.

“This achievement reflects our entire community’s desire for high-quality healthcare and the
unwavering support for the people who deliver it,” said Alex and Pat Gorsky, honorary chairs and
Doylestown Health Foundation Trustee. “The success of the One Vision Campaign sets the stage for us to continue offering world-class care in a community setting that is easily accessible to many patients and their families.”

"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.

“While we’ve reached this tremendous goal, we have raised the bar higher,” said Dick Clark. “Now we have more to accomplish, and philanthropy will help lead the way.”

According to Laura Wortman, “there is no question that the sheer magnitude of this campaign is
historic for Doylestown Health, yet what truly matters is the impact created by thousands of donors who have stepped forward to ensure our health system is here for the next generation of families.”

Sharing that vision are dozens of local businesses and individuals who invested early in "One Vision" and chose to make a second or even third commitment throughout the course of the campaign.

“Renewed support is a sign that our donors are reassured by the positive impact of their giving,” said Wortman.

In addition, Wortman acknowledged the visionary role of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA), which founded the first hospital in 1923 and continues to serve as the health system’s governing body. Through annual fundraising events like the Bucks County Designer House and Gardens and other initiatives, the VIA has made a significant impact on the progress of the One Vision campaign.

Reaching this milestone comes at a pivotal time for Doylestown Health. Like many hospitals and health systems nationwide, the global COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the health system’s financial position.

“During uncertain times, now and throughout our history, the generosity of our community has moved this hospital and health system forward,” said Chabot.“Every gift matters and makes a difference.”

“This campaign has changed Doylestown Health in truly profound ways,” said Wortman, “Patients, physicians, nurses, Associates, and volunteers—now and in the future—will benefit from the vision and generosity of the donors who care deeply about our mission and the work that we do.”