

President, University Health Foundation
As we conclude another phenomenal year of employee giving, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for your philanthropic spirit and support of the University Health Foundation and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.
Special thanks to the more than 114 ambassadors and 120 department volunteers whose commitment and unwavering support highlighted what Live Better is truly about – the spirit of helping others.
The success of Live Better is a testament to the generosity and compassion that runs deep within University Health. The Foundation is incredibly thankful for the cash donations and pledges, the blood donations and all the dollars raised through employee-led fundraising events over the past few weeks, totaling more than $633,048. Your collective efforts have made an incredible impact.
A special thanks to our Live Better chairs - James Garcia, Dr. Monika Kapur and Nelson Tuazon, whose commitment have made a lasting difference. I am incredibly honored to work alongside such a caring and dedicated group of leaders who believe in the power of philanthropy.
Thank you, once again, for your generosity, kindness and commitment to driving positive change at University Health and throughout Bexar County. It is the spirit of working together that makes University Health truly special.
James Garcia VP, Controller
“Through Live Better, philanthropic change has been made both within our clinical walls and beyond. As participants of this incredible initiative, you have paved the way for a brighter future for our community, colleagues, families and the patients we so proudly serve at University Health.”
President, CEO, UMA
“Live Better is an opportunity to raise awareness of philanthropy at University Health and demonstrate that together, we can drive real change. Your contributions made an undeniable impact.”
ACNO, Adult
“Because of the support shown during Live Better, your colleagues, patients, and community members will benefit from better opportunities, programs, and resources through the University Health Foundation and the United Way.”
University Health Foundation is proud to partner with the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County and celebrate another year of giving united, helping to support our patients, staff and the community we serve - both inside and outside of our clinical walls.
By partnering together, we continue to achieve extraordinary milestones at University Health and in the community through the success of Live Better.
Advancing the work of University Health through
$633,048 $275,800 1,697
With last year's integration of fund designations, employees had the option to hold fundraising events and designate their proceeds to University Health Foundation, United Way, or split the funds 50/50 between both organizations. This year, we experienced some of the most creative events in University Health’s history.
To ensure that ambassadors were well prepared as they educated their departments on the different ways to give, the Foundation hosted two in-person ambassador breakfasts. This training, in addition to the online option, allowed ambassadors to meet with Foundation staff and learn how the Foundation and United Way help our patients, staff and the community we serve.
To assist ambassadors in high volume departments, we implemented the opportunity to have ambassador teams. This change allowed for full department coverage and extra assistants in departments, including those with multiple shifts and heavy foot traffic.
Frost Bank launched an incentive called “Boost Your Impact,” offering a $100 match for every new or increased gift of $100 or more to United Way. This was a great way for pledge makers to double their dollars in support of our community. Through this incentive, an additional $6,300 was raised.
Through your selfless blood donations at University Hospital’s blood donation center, we are able to save countless lives every year. This year, for every employee-based blood donation made during Live Better, $175 was donated to the University Health Foundation’s Well Community Fund
The Well Community Fund supports University Health’s strategic initiatives beyond our walls and represents a significant step toward bridging the gap in health equity across Bexar County. By funding projects and programs that address the non-medical drivers of health, University Health Foundation is striving to create a more inclusive and healthier community for all.
Thanks to 1,576 Live Better blood donors, $275,800 will be designated to the Well Community Fund.
LiveBetterambassadorsholdanextraordinarycontributiontothesuccessoftheLiveBettercampaign.The dedicationheldalongsidetheirregularresponsibilities,isessentialineducatingandraisingawarenessabout thepositiveimpactphilanthropycanhaveonourcommunity.TheeffortsofLiveBetterambassadorsarea powerfulreminderthatwherethereisgratitude,thereispotentialformeaningfulchange.
Ambassadors serve a key role in the success of Live Better! In addition to being champions of the cause, this year’s 100+ ambassadors actively educated and engaged their teams and helped us spread the message about the importance of giving. Our incredible ambassadors took the time to be resources and liaisons for their teams, and their contributions to Live Better were instrumental to the campaign’s success!
Assistant Director, CareLink Community Outreach and Education
“I participate as a Live Better ambassador so that I can share, with as many people as I can, the good work that the University Health Foundation does for our patients and employees. I appreciate that our organization goes above and beyond to help our community with additional resources through the Foundation, and it gives me a sense of pride to help spread the word during our Live Better campaign.”
Administrative Assistant Sr., Radiology Support
“I have been a donor for 14 years and an ambassador a long time. Every year, it warms my heart to see the generosity coming from my teammates. Their contributions make such a tremendous difference. We are living proof that the University Health Foundation and United Way are here to support us all.”
Vivian Vargas-Torres
Operations Manager, Epic
“Live Better brings people together, so being an ambassador is inspiring and rewarding. My team of ambassadors and I are always thinking of creative ways to inspire staff to participate, because we know that together we can create a stronger, healthier and more vibrant community for all.”
Abiel Abraha
Adrian Jimenez
Adriana Gambill
Albert Araiza
Alyssa Aleman
Amanda Martinez
Amy Beaz
Angelica Huron
Angelina Rios
Annette Gonzalez
Arthur Kurland
Ashley Hummel
Ashley Winn
Becky Salas
Brandi Casillas
Brenda Jaramillo
Brianna Dubose
Candida Pieper
Carmen Quiroga
Cedrick Wright
Celina Sharpe
China Whitby
Christine Lara-Contreras
Christine Limon
Chudney Ratcliff
Clarissa Holloway
Claryce Cantu
Clemente Perez
Cynthia DeLaPena
Darlene Perez
David Correa
David Fragoso
Delaine Sanchez
Diane Fowler
Dolores Gonzalez
Elizabeth Gonzalez-Cruz
Esperanza Sanchez
Evelyn Robinson
Faith Guerra
Fidel Navarro
Ha Slothower
Hannah Strugis
Heather Smith
Heidy Flores
Imee Paguio
Ismerai Atilano
Jaclyn Luna
Jaynisha Patel
Jessica Balili - Hinds
Jessica Huerta
Jessica Powell
Jo Ellen Fraga
Joann Azar
Judy Necoechea
Juliet Kiiza
Justin Alequantez
Kathleen Vasquez
Kathy Ibarra
Kendra Prince
Kristina Quiles
Krystle Cardenas
Krystle Quintero
LaFay Bryan
LaTosha Kelley
Lauren Gonzalez
Lisa Garces
Lisa Herrera
Lisa Uthe
Lucila Gonzalez
Lydia Delgado
Maria Barron
Maria Cabagay
Maria Rabago
Marie Gaitan
Marina Pena
Mary Lunsford
Mary perez
Matthew Gonzales
Maye Medina
Melanie Redman
Milana Vineyard
Mimilanie Harris
Nakisha Johnson
Nicole Cruz
Pamela Reyes
Paula Herring
Pearl Perez
Ravee Mata
Rebecca Coy
Rebecca Vazquez
Regina Rodgriguez
Reyna Vega
Rosemary Mares
Sabrina Garcia
Samantha Flores
Samantha Garcia
Sandra Lara
Sandy Bustos
Sarah Estes
Ski Mactaggart
Sherri Mulkey
Stephanie Guidry
Suwani Fernando
Susan Caster
Tammy Murray
Valerie Gomez
Velma Perales Diaz
Veronica Molina
Vivian Vargas-Torres
Wanda Amberson
Yasmin Wong
Your time, energy and passion have touched the lives of many, and we are immensely grateful for your contributions.
The impact you've made during Live Better is truly unforgettable. Whether it was lending a helping hand, spreading awareness or actively participating in our mission, you've made a significant difference in the well-being of University Health and the broader community