During its annual meeting last week, the Lompoc Hospital District Foundation (LHDF) presented a check for $100,000 to Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) for the purchase of new patient transport van.
The van, which accommodates three wheelchairs, will be used by the Comprehensive Care Center (CCC) to transport its skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation residents to medical appointments, field trips and other needs.
Foundation Executive Board members presented a check to LVMC and the CCC for the purchase of the van as annual meeting attendees applauded. The van was on display for foundation members to tour during the event at the Mission Club.
“On behalf of our center, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to members of the Lompoc Hospital District Foundation for your extraordinary generosity in donating $100,000 for the purchase of the new CCC van,” said CCC administrator Lorraine Jones.
“This contribution is more than just a financial contribution; it’s a profound investment in the lives and well-being of our residents, who are already benefitting greatly from this new resource,” Jones said.
She said that in looking at the audience, she was reminded of the “hard work, generosity, and dedication that this gift represents. This van is more than just a vehicle; it stands as a symbol of countless hours each of you have volunteered, every fundraiser organized, and every effort made to support our residents and our community,” she said.
Jones expressed her “deep gratitude” to those who helped raise money for the van.
“This new van is life changing for our residents,” she said. “For many, outings and transportation are crucial to their quality of life. This van enables them to attend community events, visit loved ones, and enjoy the kind of experiences that positively impact their mental and emotional health.
“With it, we will be able to offer more frequent and comfortable trips, giving our residents a renewed sense of independence and joy that is truly priceless. Your donation shows the heart and vision of the hospital foundation, reflecting how deeply you care for the most vulnerable in our community.
“Your support makes these outings possible and sends a powerful message to each resident that they are valued and remembered.”
The foundation was created in 1990 to help ensure access to modern healthcare services in the Lompoc Valley by supporting capital improvements at LVMC.
LHDF also presents health-related community lectures throughout the year, organizes events such as the Senior Expo and fundraises at its annual Flower Valley Golf Classic and Colorthon.
The foundation was established 34 years ago, said Alice Milligan, president and co-founder.
“Shortly after, I was contacted and asked if I would be willing to serve as the first president,” she said. “I indicated I would accept for one year and here I am, 34 years later. What a rewarding experience this has been and what a privilege for me to work with such outstanding people.”
Milligan gave special appreciation to former LVMC Board of Trustee members Ray Down and Carol Ann Johnson for their instrumental support of the establishment of the foundation. Johnson recently celebrated her 100th birthday, which earned applause from the foundation members.
In its more than three decades, the foundation has donated almost $6.7 million to LVMC.
“We have been very fortunate to have the support of our community and wonderful volunteers, who always step forward to support special events, which have been very successful over the years,” Milligan said.
During the business portion of the annual meeting, the following foundation executive committee leaders were confirmed:
Alice Milligan, president; Jim Raggio, vice president; Gary Williams, treasurer; and Susan Xiong, secretary. Yvette Cope, LVMC’s chief executive officer, is on the leadership committee as well. A liaison to the Board of Directors will be appointed in January, as will committee chairpersons.
The following new trustees for the coming year were also announced: Alec Smith, Barbara Culberson, Cindy Stevens, Dirk Starbuck, Jeremy Farnum, Laragene Schuyler, Patti Coggin, Ray Down, and Theron Smith.
LHDF, which has no paid dues, has 4,833 active members, including 369 new members who joined this year, according to a report from membership chairwoman Heather Woolsey.
“Our role goes beyond simply recruiting members,” she said. “We actively support other committees, such as Special Events and Community Education, by coordinating logistics, managing outreach and ensuring seamless execution. We are dedicated to collaborating across committees to advance our shared mission.”
During the presentation of the investment report, Down urged attendees to remember the Foundation in year-end giving plans and estate planning options.
“We want to build this investment fund up so we can give to the hospital annually, a much larger amount than we have,” Down said.
In the coming year or so, LHDF will help raise funds to support the opening of the new Lompoc Health clinic in Vandenberg Village, Milligan said.
LHDF will continue its community outreach on Nov. 19, with a Caregiver Information Session, 5 p.m.at Dick DeWees Community and Senior Center. The event includes educational information, food, raffles, and a wellness activity.
To RSVP, call 805-737-5762 or email xiongsu@lhdfoundation.org.
LHDF will also sponsor an educational lecture by Lompoc Health’s Dr. Justin Chang. An orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Chang will speak about hip and knee arthritis, 6 p.m. Wed. Nov. 20 at the DeWees Center.