Summer 2013
Grateful Patient: Patti VanSickle Police officer Patti VanSickle was injured responding to a high school fight. Thanks to Ridgeview’s Emergency Department staff at Two Twelve Medical Center and Ridgeview Surgical Services, Patti feels great and is anxious to report back to duty this month.
When a police officer responded to a fight at an area high school last March, her goal was to make sure everyone walked away from the incident safely. Patti VanSickle, the school liaison officer on duty, wasn’t so lucky that day. In fact, she couldn’t walk at all. “I pulled a student from the chaos and in the process, the student went one way and my ankle went the other way,” said VanSickle. “I heard the crack and immediately I knew.” She called for back-up and within minutes got the support she needed—including an ambulance and two paramedics. She knew them personally and trusted their advice when they recommended driving her to Ridgeview’s Two Twelve Medical Center in Chaska. “I wasn’t familiar with the facility since I live in Savage, but I was grateful it was so close and had the highly regarded emergency care I needed,” VanSickle said.
felt—including her ankle. From surgery to recovery room to private room, “I believed I was in the best hands,” she said. Her helpful aids after surgery and release from the hospital included a knee scooter, walker and shower stool from Ridgeview Home Medical Equipment, along with occupational therapy through Ridgeview Rehab Specialties. Those items were a big help for VanSickle. But when your mobility basically comes to a screeching halt, it’s winter in Minnesota and you have a heavy leg cast on for eight weeks, VanSickle attests, “You can get crabby.” Dr. Barnett recommended an at-home therapy regime that he knew VanSickle would strictly follow, not only because of her profession, but also because her livelihood was at stake.
X-rays confirmed a broken ankle and triggered VanSickle’s two main worries: work and workouts. “I thought to myself, ‘was I going to be able to return to normal?’”
After nearly four months of determination, effort and continued focus on a successful outcome, VanSickle is happy to report she’ll be returning to active duty this month.
Thankfully, VanSickle said Ridgeview’s Emergency Department staff at Two Twelve Medical Center made her immediately comfortable and carefully orchestrated her care from there. “The efficiency, personal attention and expertise was the best experience,” VanSickle said.
“The entire Ridgeview Medical Center system is top-notch,” she said. “I’m thankful I had the medical staff that I did. They made the whole experience extremely positive.”
She was transported to Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia, where orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Robert Barnett, Twin Cities Orthopedics, put her back together again. From the doctors and nurses to the anesthesiologist, VanSickle applauded them and how well everything
VanSickle isn’t crabby anymore because she’s mobile. And her worries are gone now too—she gets to go back to work and hop back on the treadmill thanks to the dedicated, caring medical staff at Ridgeview Medical Center.
Dear Friends, As chair of the Ridgeview Foundation Board of Directors, I couldn’t be more proud of the donors, volunteers and staff as we raised more than $1.1 million at our 28th annual Golf & Taste Celebration! Board of Directors Nancy Bach, Wayzata Brian Beniek, Mound Jean Buller, Chair, Chaska Dermot Cowley, Secretary, Watertown Stacy Desai, Eden Prairie Tim Foster, Wayzata Katherine Forrester, Excelsior Fred Green, Edina Katherine Hackett, MD, Excelsior Darla Holmgren, Finance Chair, Waconia Greg Kummer, Norwood Young America
The money raised during this event will support the Innovation for Generations campaign, Ridgeview’s effort to renovate and upgrade the second floor of the hospital in Waconia. Once construction begins early fall, it is estimated that the project will take just over a year to complete. Ridgeview Foundation donors have been so crucial in this effort, as more than $2 million was raised through the Innovation for Generations campaign over the last two years. Thank you so much for your continued support of Ridgeview! In this issue of Foundation Focus, you can read more about the golf event and the Innovation for Generations campaign. In addition, we have a wonderful story about grateful patient Patti VanSickle, some useful information about Minnesota tax legislation, and stories about a few different ways that can help you stay connected to Ridgeview and to Ridgeview Foundation. Thanks again for your support of Ridgeview. Whether you give your time, talent or treasure, you truly are a valuable member of our community and we appreciate your generosity.
Laura Lanz, Waconia Jeff Laurel, Cross Lake Jim Leonard, Chaska Brian Mark, Excelsior Linda Roebke, Waconia Kate Roehl, Maple Plain Daniel Ross, DDS, Chaska Randy Schneewind, Waconia Charles Spevacek,Vice Chair, Shorewood Mark Steingas, Excelsior Larry Wilhelm, Excelsior David Windschitl, Chanhassen
Ex-Officio Robert Stevens, President and CEO, Ridgeview Medical Center Doug Stasek,
Jean Buller, Chair, Ridgeview Foundation Board of Directors
Breakfast with Bob In May, Ridgeview Foundation welcomed area residents to two free breakfast events to hear Ridgeview Medical Center President and CEO Robert Stevens’ vision for Ridgeview and health care in our region. From the Two Twelve Medical Center expansion to its continued commitment to providing outstanding individualized patient care, Ridgeview’s future is bright. With the changing face of health care and as our area’s population
rapidly grows and becomes more diverse, Ridgeview’s creative and innovative planning will and must continue in the years to come. Guests were updated on the Two Twelve Medical Center expansion in Chaska, telehealth technologies, the transmission of medical data for diagnosis, chronic disease management and preventive health care management, among other exciting topics. For more information about Ridgeview, please visit our website at www.ridgeviewmedical.org.
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Philanthropy
Ridgeview among the top 5% in the nation Ridgeview Medical Center has been named one of a select group of hospitals identified as providing outstanding performance in the delivery of a positive experience for patients during their hospital stay, as measured by HealthGrades, the leading online resource that helps consumers search, evaluate, compare, and connect with physicians and hospitals. Ridgeview was one of 17 hospitals in Minnesota to receive the Outstanding Patient Experience Award in 2013. This is the sixth consecutive year Ridgeview has received this award.
2 F O U N D AT I O N F O C U S
Are you interested in supporting Ridgeview with a monthly donation? Benefits to being a monthly donor are: Effective—your monthly donation provides: • A steady and predictable source of income for Ridgeview • Income acquired at a cost substantially below that permitted by other types of fundraising methods, reducing administrative costs and allowing more of each gift to be used immediately • Income that will provide weeks, months and years of quality patient care close to home • Environmental friendliness by cutting down on paper, gas and emissions produced by mailings Convenient—your monthly donation can be established: • By automatic deduction from your bank account or credit card • With monthly email reminders for payment by check You may change the amount of your pledge or the timing of your payments at any time. Monthly giving allows you to make your yearly contribution at the Ridgeview Friends & Family or Founder’s Society level because your gift is divided into manageable monthly increments. Please consider joining Ridgeview Friends & Family or the Founder’s Society at the following levels:
Giving Level Monthly Contribution Bronze $ 8.33 Silver $ 20.84 Gold $ 41.67 Platinum $ 83.34 Founder’s (5-year pledge) $166.66
Yearly Amount $ 100.00 $ 250.00 $ 500.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00
As a monthly supporter, you receive the following benefits: • An annual statement to assist in your tax preparation • Limited mailings beyond your monthly statement • A designated staff member, who can handle any questions you may have • The ability to increase, decrease or cancel your pledge whenever you wish • Donor status, as part of a select group of caring individuals who are helping to maintain the highest level of health care possible Ridgeview Medical Center stays independent because of generous donors like you! For information on how you can become a monthly donor, please contact Ridgeview Foundation at 952-442-6010 or email foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org.
Opportunities for gift matching through employers Did you know more than 900 organizations nationwide offer matching gift programs? Those employed at any number of Minnesota organizations have an opportunity to have their 100 percent charitable gift to Ridgeview Foundation matched by their employers. These companies may also match gifts for retired employees, spouses and directors. By taking advantage of these programs, donors can as much as double or even triple their donations, which goes 100% to the patients and families Ridgeview serves. Some companies offer a program called Dollars for Doers, a national program in which employers donate a specific dollar amount equitable to the amount of hours a volunteer donates. For instance, if a volunteer donates 75 hours in a year’s time, the organization may donate $500 to the charity at which the volunteer works (or whatever the organization’s equivalent may be.) Please consider checking with your employer to see if they have one of these programs. For more information on how you can make a difference by having your gift or service matched, contact your organization’s human resources department or call Ridgeview Foundation at 952-442-6010.
Organizations that have made matching gifts to Ridgeview: • American Express • Bank of America • Best Buy • Citigroup • Eaton • Entegris • Land O’Lakes Foundation • McKesson HBOC • Merrill Lynch • SuperValu • TCF • Thrivent Lutheran • Toro • UnitedHealthcare • United Way • Xcel Energy
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY 3
Successful campaign closes with $1.1 million event
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idgeview Foundation capped off its Innovation for Generations campaign by raising more than $1.1 million at the 28th Annual Ridgeview Foundation Golf & Taste Celebration, held June 24 at Island View Golf Club in Waconia. Hundreds of volunteers, Ridgeview staff members, business leaders and community members teamed up to make a difference in the health and well-being of communities in the west metro. The celebration included golf, bridge and Bunco tournaments, live music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages from area restaurants and establishments, and a buffet dinner. WCCO-TV news anchor, Frank Vascellaro served as the emcee and guest auctioneer during an evening program that included silent and live auctions, and culminated off the day-long event that included more than 150 volunteers, 500 guests and 250 golfers.
allowing tremendous flexibility for the hospital as they will have similar layouts and equipment, yet offer unique features to meet individual patient needs. The expansion of Ridgeview services is part of an ongoing effort by Ridgeview leadership to ensure that the medical center is meeting the ever-changing needs of the patients in our region.
More than $6.8 million has been raised in support of Ridgeview Medical Center since the first Golf & Taste event in 1986 and this year’s event helped close the Innovation for Generations campaign, Ridgeview Foundation’s effort to help renovate Ridgeview Medical Center’s nearly 50-year-old medical/surgical wing and to aid in the expansion of critical services at Ridgeview.
Ridgeview President and CEO Robert Stevens says this campaign will help Ridgeview continue providing outstanding care for our region and the patients Ridgeview serves. “Delivering the best care in the best facilities is Ridgeview’s constant goal. Innovation for Generations will help us fulfill that promise. Renovating patient rooms and support areas to meet the unique needs of our patients and their families is a challenge that we embrace and are excited to complete.”
The two-year, $2 million dollar campaign received gifts from more than 980 individuals, many of which gave through the Ridgeview Golf & Taste Celebration events in 2012 and 2013. From “kids to cancer” and from the “very oldest to the very youngest,” the 1963 wing is one of the most important and utilized spaces in the facility. New patient rooms will be designed to serve as “universal rooms”—
Construction on this exciting project will begin early fall with an estimated completion date in the fall of 2014. Thank you again for your continued support of Ridgeview. Your gifts are helping improve and sustain outstanding care right here in your own backyard.
4 F O U N D AT I O N F O C U S
We are grateful to all of ou r generous sponsors for th e 28th Annual Golf & Taste Celebration! Legendary $20,000:
Lakeview Clinic, Ltd. Wigen Water Technologies
Master $10,000:
Allina Health Systems Aurora Investments Beniek Property Services, Inc. CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP EdenTrace Corporation The Goodman Group KleinBank Lockton Companies, LLC Medallion Cabinetry - an Elk ay Company Microsoft RJM Construction Twin Cities Orthopedics
Tom Ess was diagnosed with cancer, he turned to Dr. Gail Bender and Ess family is grateful When Ridgeview Medical Center for his treatment so he could be near his family and to Ridgeview support system while he received his care. His daughter, Kim Wright, believes the treatment and care her dad received helped him have a better quality of life during his treatment. “He traveled all over, he had a great three years left of his life that he was able to spend with family and friends, and it really is attributed to Dr. Bender and Ridgeview,” Wright said. When Tom passed away last year, his family felt such a connection to Ridgeview that they gave back to honor his memory. According to Wright, giving back to Ridgeview was an easy decision. “We were grateful for the whole family here, the people that helped him and showed him compassion. We wanted to give back to others so they could have the same great experience we had.” Founder’s Society members and all donors add so much to the quality care patients receive at Ridgeview. The Tom Ess family is one of many families who have chosen to give back, and those financial gifts continue to help provide outstanding patient care for patients, their families and our community.
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY 5
Ridgeview Friends & Family enhances giving program Ridgeview Friends & Family, Ridgeview Foundation’s largest giving club, is enhancing its giving program and offering more options. This giving club, comprised of more than 900 generous donors, brings community members and Ridgeview employees together in a unified effort to provide the highest level of health care to our community. We have heard the feedback from many donors and friends of Ridgeview Foundation. You want us to continue our efforts to be green and environmentally friendly by reducing our reliance on paper and postage. We have responded by creating a monthly giving program to make giving easier, more environmentally friendly and sustainable. We also want to make giving more manageable by setting up monthly, affordable options. Please see page 3 of this issue of Foundation Focus for more specifics on why monthly giving might be a good option for you! In other news, Ridgeview Friends & Family will kick off its 2013 employee campaign in October. Funds raised through this campaign will support a room in the 2nd floor remodel, as part of the Innovation for Generations campaign; and the two annually funded programs: Ridgeview Health Care Scholarship and Prayer Shawl. Starting in 2014, Ridgeview Friends & Family will annually
fund Ridgeview’s new roof-top gardens, as a way to enhance positive patient experiences while saving the organization money in energy cost reduction, storm water retention and the life extension of the hospital roof. To date, Ridgeview Friends & Family has raised more than $1 million to support Ridgeview’s highest priorities. New to the campaign this year, starting in October, will be the introduction of electronic pledge cards. Keeping with our theme of becoming even more green and efficient, this method will save time and valuable resources. Additionally, we listened to our employee feedback and moved the campaign from June to the fall, in order to lessen confusion with the many activities that take place in the springtime. If you are interested in learning more about Ridgeview Friends & Family or contributing to this fund, please contact Ridgeview Foundation at 952-442-6010 or email foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org. “We are filled with compassion for the patients and families we serve and strive to make their experience at Ridgeview comfortable and caring.” —Laura Lanz, Ridgeview Friends & Family co-chair
The Ridgeview Friends & Family committee is a special group of passionate community members and employees who partner together to foster relationships, create awareness and attract funding for Ridgeview programs. They enjoy the collaborative efforts of the team in making a difference in the lives of Ridgeview’s patients and families. Ridgeview Foundation is seeking energetic community volunteers for involvement in its Ridgeview Friends & Family committee. Join this energetic team and be inspired by the desire to provide exceptional health care for your friends, families and neighbors in the Ridgeview region! For more information, please contact Ridgeview Foundation at 952-442-6010 or email foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org.
Ridgeview welcomes Michael Valley, MD Ridgeview Medical Center and Clinics is pleased to welcome Michael Valley, MD, to Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics. Dr. Valley is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and is committed to helping women find solutions to their health care needs. He cares for women of all ages, and has special training and experience in caring for women with bladder problems. Dr. Valley sees patients in Chaska, Waconia and Delano. To schedule an appointment, call 952-556-0071 or 952-442-2137.
6 F O U N D AT I O N F O C U S
Classes, Events & Ways to Get Involved Please join us Saturday, Nov. 2, for the 11th Annual Achieving a Healthy Balance women’s seminar at Oak Ridge Conference Center in Chaska. Hosted by Ridgeview Foundation, this all-day event, designed by women, for women, is an exciting day planned to educate, inspire and entertain more than 200 attendees.
Other inspirational speakers include Cathy Stahlke (“On Your Mark … Get Set … BREATHE!”), Kris James (“Aging Beautifully”), and Molly Cox (“You Got to Be Kidding!”), along with more than 20 unique boutique artisans. Join us for an inspiring day with intriguing speakers, fabulous food and an abundance of fun. Make your reservation today. $75 per person or reserve a table of 10 with your friends and family for $700.
Keynote speaker Petra Marquart, author and international speaker, will share ideas on how to re-energize your sense of self and get your engine back into high gear. Many women spend a great deal of time and energy making sure everyone around them is okay—often to the detriment of their own well-being! For many the day of reckoning comes when they look in the mirror and yell, “Hey! What about me?” But by that time, the tank may be empty as the engine that runs their world is out of gas.
For more information, please call 952-442-6010 or email foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org To register online: http://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/ events/6370
Mark your calendars Advance Care Planning. . .It Is About the Conversation It is important to have accurate information to make informed decisions about treatments for end-of-life care. It’s also important to talk about one’s wishes with family members who may need to make health care decisions, and to record your wishes in a document. Ridgeview Medical Center offers a free service to help you understand this process. Attend an information session to learn why advance care planning is important and the steps involved. Saturday, Aug. 24, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m. Ridgeview Medical Center Ridgeview Community Auditorium 500 S. Maple Street, Waconia To register for this free event, visit www.ridgeviewmedical.org/events or call 952-442-2191, ext. 5575.
Save the Date:
Heart to Heart: Understanding Key Cardiovascular Tests Learn more about cardiovascular tests, what the results mean and what steps to take for optimal heart health. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m. Visit www.ridgeviewmedical.org/events or call 952-442-8083 for more information and to register for this free event.
Sheiks and shebas, join us Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. for an ab-so-lutely swell time at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Get your glad rags on and enjoy a swanky dinner, a live auction led by WCCO-TV news anchor Frank Vascellaro, entertainment, games and lots of fun in support of Ridgeview Medical Center. This event is the cat’s pajamas—you don’t want to miss it, so mark your calendars! Tickets are $100 each, tables of 10 are $1,000. Sponsored tables of 10 for $1,500 include 10 $100 vouchers for the live auction. For more information, call 952-442-6010 or email foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org. To register online: http://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/ events/6373
Ridgeview Medical Center offers a variety of community education opportunities, from childbirth preparation to fitness classes to condition-specific education. To view and register for upcoming events, visit http:// health.ridgeviewmedical.org/events.
CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY 7
New in 2013: Ridgeview Foundation will be going to two printed issues and one e-issue of Foundation Focus per year in order to make our resources go farther. If you are not currently on our email list and would like to receive e-communication from Ridgeview Foundation, please email us at foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org with your request.
490 S. Maple Street, Suite 110 • Waconia, MN 55387 www.ridgeviewfoundation.org • 952-442-6010
For news and event information from Ridgeview Medical Center and Clinics, join Ridgeview online:
www.facebook.com/ridgeviewmedical www.youtube.com/ridgeviewmedical www.linkedin.com/company/ridgeview-medical-center https://health.ridgeviewmedical.org
©2013 Ridgeview Medical Center If you would like to stop receiving Ridgeview Foundation printed material, please send an email, including your name and address, to foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org or call 952-442-6010.
Minnesota enacts state gift tax: Charitable donations exempt from tax
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nformation regarding Minnesota’s new state gift tax has been hard to come by and potentially confusing. Ridgeview Foundation recently received this concise explanation about the new tax from About.com Wills & Estate Planning. Ridgeview Foundation does not provide counsel in these matters; contact your attorney or accountant for more information or clarification. • The new tax went into effect July 1, 2013. • Annual gifts to the same person that do not exceed $14,000 will be exempt from the tax. • Gifts to spouses and charitable donations will be exempt from the gift tax. • A lifetime gift tax credit of $100,000 per taxpayer will be available that will effectively shelter $1,000,000 from the tax. • Gifts that exceed $1,000,000 will be subject to a flat 10 percent tax. • The gift tax will apply to nonresidents who make gifts of real estate, tangible personal property and/or business interests located in Minnesota. • The gift tax will not apply to transfers of real estate, tangible personal property and/or business interests located outside of Minnesota made by a Minnesota resident. For example, a Minnesota resident can gift her Florida condo to her son and not be subject to the Minnesota gift tax, although federal gift tax rules will apply.
• With regard to Minnesota estate taxes, they will now be calculated by including all gifts made within the three years of the decedent’s date of death. This provision will be retroactive for deaths occurring after December 31, 2012. Aside from enacting the state gift tax, the Minnesota legislature also tweaked the Minnesota estate tax laws that effect nonresidents. Under current law, a nonresident’s estate that owns real estate and/ or tangible personal property located in Minnesota is subject to the Minnesota estate tax. The new legislation takes this one step further by including Minnesota property held in a pass-through entity such as an S corporation, a partnership (including a multimember LLC taxed as a partnership), a single-member LLC or similar entity, or a trust in a nonresident’s estate. This information regarding Minnesota’s new state gift tax was originally published on the Wills & Estate Planning Guide site at About.com and was written by Julie Ann Garber. Thank you to Ms. Garber for her permission to use this content.