William Newton Healthcare Foundation hosted its 18th annual fundraising gala on September 27 presented by Union State Bank and held in Winfield, KS.
With over 140 guests in attendance, the WWII/1940s-themed gala, dubbed 'Flight for the Future,' included live music, silent and live auctions.
“We had fun with the aviation theme and are closer to 'landing' the ED project,” said William Newton Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Annika Morris. “We are grateful for our donors and attendees who made it possible.”
As part of the evening’s festivities, Union State Bank Winfield and Udall Market President Cory Helmer presented the annual Union State Bank Healthcare Hero award. This year’s recipient was Steve McSpadden, who was honored for his years of extraordinary service to both the hospital and the foundation.
Helmer introduced McSpadden, noting he is "one of the most dedicated advocates of rural healthcare in William Newton Hospital’s history." Last year’s Healthcare Hero recipient, Dick Vaught, described him as one who has "epitomized the quality of people we’ve had on our board.”
McSpadden was appointed to the William Newton Hospital Board of trustees in 2002 and was reappointed an additional five times. He served as Board Chair for three two-year terms since 2005. In addition, both Steve and his wife, Marilyn, were early supporters of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation. Together they helped establish the non-profit in 2007. Steve served on the WNHF board of directors for three years.
“His guidance and vision during these crucial periods have significantly impacted the hospital’s growth and success,” said Helmer. “He has provided me with an inspiring example of service and we should all be grateful for his tireless dedication.”
McSpadden’s tenure with the William Newton Hospital board continued a legacy started by his father, G.D. McSpadden, who served 25 years as a WNH trustee.
"I would not have done it for so many years if I didn’t enjoy it," said McSpadden. He also stated that while he has served on numerous boards, service as a WNH trustee is “unequivocally the one that means the most to me”.
Demonstrating his commitment to securing the hospital's future, McSpadden co-chaired the Phase 1 campaign for the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center with Paula Radcliff.
“Steve knew that our work together for the hospital was much more than a capital project. It was celebrating the way we all joined together through the work and services of our beloved hospital,” explained Radcliff. “It was Steve who pointed out that each of us were, in one way or another, connected to our community hospital,”
Helmer noted that Steve cares deeply about the continued success of William Newton Hospital, “I have witnessed his unwavering support time and time again. Steve's impact will resonate for many years to come."
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield, and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 412388