20

Good Shepherd Community Health 

Foundation Accomplishments

In 1995, a group of community 
minded citizens came together 
to form the Good Shepherd 
Community Health Foundation. 
The GSCHF is unique in the world 
of hospital associated non-profit 
foundations. It was formed to 
benefit the health of the local 
communities in Western Umatilla 
and Morrow Counties. Because of 
community support, the Foundation 
is able to award grants, medical 
scholarships, and gives support to 
approved community organizations 
to improve the health needs of  
our communities.

Along with awards to the 
community, also comes fundraising 
opportunities. The Festival of Trees 
is a partnership with Hermiston 
Kiwanis Club GSCHF, and  is one of 
the most elegant and anticipated 
events of the year. In December 
2022, the Hermiston Festival of 
Trees was no exception. This event 
was an immediate sell-out and 
well-received by the community. As 
the event has continued to grow, 
we have added electronic bidding 
for the patrons for the baskets, 
wreaths, and stockings, but keeping 
the excitement of the live auction 
for Large and Tabletop Trees. This 

event raised over $80,000, of 
which $40,000 was allocated to 
the Foundation as its share of the 
proceeds. These funds were used 
to supplement the awards given to 
our local communities in the form of 
grants and medical scholarships. 

The Christmas Spirit Award was 
created as a reflection of our giving 
communities. In 2022 the awards 
were presented to community 
recipients by the Foundation. Those 
honored were Lou Lyons and Carl 
and Edith Holt. These individuals 
were nominated by local community 
members and chosen by the board 
as recipients because they exemplify 
the Christmas Spirit—the spirit of 
giving throughout the year. 

National Doctors’ Day is designated 
annually as March 30th. It is a day 
set aside for community members 
to honor medical professionals 
who make a difference in their 
lives. In April 2023, eight physicians 
and healthcare professionals were 
awarded special certificates of 
appreciation because of community 
donations received by the 
Foundation on their behalf totaling 
over $1,000. 

In the spring of 2023, the 
Foundation announced the awarding 
of $69,000 in medical scholarships 
to 37 high school graduates, college 
students, and medical professionals 
seeking additional medical training. 
Among these recipients were 
students that were representative 
of most all local communities within 
our service area. These students will 
be attending 25 various colleges and 
universities throughout the country.

The 2023 Scramble for Scholarships 
Golf Tournament, held in June, 
was exceptionally successful with 
over $50,000 raised for medical 
scholarships. We were fortunate that 
the Foundation was able to host 
this special event and thank our 
sponsors and golf participants for 
their tremendous support. 

Grants are awarded each year to 
qualified non-profit organizations 
to benefit the health needs of our 
local communities. In fiscal year 
2022-2023, grants totaling $213,766 
were awarded to the following 
organizations: 
• Boardman Parks and  

Recreation District 

• Community Fellowship Dinner