The new machine is now in use and will be moved to the new hospital when it’s completed.

Willits, CA – August 30, 2010 – U.S. Representative Mike Thompson has helped secure a $188,100 federal appropriation for a new portable x-ray machine to be used at the current and new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital.  The Howard Community Healthcare Foundation (HCHF) recently received the funds and has provided a check to Hospital President and CEO, Kevin Erich. The allocation is among a larger federal disbursement and was part of a Health and Human Services bill passed by Congress and signed by the President.

This marks the second year in a row that the HCHF has been awarded federal appropriations funding, bringing the total to $538,100.  HCHF’s primary focus is the receiving of funds raised for the new hospital facility and campus.  These funds are separate from the general operating budget of the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital and the Frank R. Howard Foundation.  HCHF is the fund-receiving arm for the new hospital campus.

“I am very pleased that the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital was awarded the funding for this new equipment. These are the types of projects that we need to invest in because they directly impact the lives of local residents,” said Congressman Mike Thompson (D-North Coast). “By expanding the hospital’s capacity to serve the Northern Mendocino community, our families will be safer, healthier, and have greater access to superior health care.”

Dr. Bill Bowen, President of the Howard Community Healthcare Foundation states, “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Thompson and his entire staff for their help in securing these dollars for the hospital.  He has been a tremendous advocate on behalf of the Howard Foundation in Washington, DC.  His work has helped to increase the quality of medical care at Howard Memorial Hospital by providing the best scientific diagnostic tools available for our community.”

Frank R. Howard Foundation Wine & Mushroom Train Climb aboard the Howard Foundation’s “Wine and Mushroom Train” featuring a local icon that dates back to 1885…the Skunk Train departing Willits and Fort Bragg.  The two trains will arrive at Camp Mendocino for lunch, music, a silent auction and an opportunity to spend time in the ancient redwoods.  Come enjoy wines from “America’s Greenest Wine Region” and food prepared by some of Mendocino County’s best chefs.  The event will feature local mushroom expert Eric Schramm.  The Camp, owned by the San Francisco Boys & Girls Club, is a spectacular setting in the majestic redwoods on the shores of the Noyo River.

The Frank R. Howard Foundation, as owner of the new Frank R. Howard Foundation Medical Campus, is raising funds to construct a new hospital and healthcare campus in Willits.  Plans include a new hospital, dormitory, medical office buildings, auditorium and a Health and Wellness Center that will feature an 8-acre organic garden that will be used to feed patients and staff at the hospital.  Proceeds from the event will go directly to the building fund.

All inclusive tickets are $125.  For more information and to purchase tickets please call 707.459.3047.

How many tickets would you like to purchase?

One Ticket $125.00 Two Tickets $250.00 Three Tickets $375.00 Four Tickets $500.00 Five Tickets $625.00 Six Tickets $750.00 Seven Tickets $875.00 Eight Tickets $1,000.00 Nine Tickets $1,125.00 Ten Tickets $1,250.00

Unable to Attend. Would still like to donate.

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“A Day at the Races Part III”, Howard Community Healthcare Foundation’s annual hospital bed races, will take place on Saturday, August 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Haehl Creek Dr.  The event is free to attend and will be highlighted by the hospital bed races as teams compete for the coveted “Bedpan of Champions.”  Along with bragging rights, the trophy is engraved with each year’s winner and the winning team keeps possession of the trophy until the next year’s race.  In addition to the race, the musical group Samba Jamba will light up the crowd with their latin flair, a BBQ will be hosted by the Willits Lion’s Club with food donated by Ray’s Food Place and will be available for a nominal charge.  Other entertainment will include a pie eating contest, a dunk tank, face painting, kettle corn and snow cones.  It is a perfect opportunity to bring the family out for an entertaining evening.

The teams will leave the starting line with 4 pushers and 1 rider who will be wearing hospital scrubs.  At the designated mark, approximately 50 yards from the start, the beds must come to full stop.  Once the bed is completely stopped the rider must exit the bed, remove the scrubs, hand them to one of the pushers who will become the new rider, and must change into the scrubs.  While the scrubs exchange is being done the rest of the team must run “fire drills” (circles around the bed) until the new rider is completely and correctly dressed in the scrubs and safely back on the bed.  The team then may then proceed to the finish line.  This will be an “Eliminations Race” with two beds racing at a time.  The winning team will move on to the next round until the final race where the coveted “Bedpan of Champions” will be awarded.  To add to the fun, each losing team must send a representative to the dunk tank where a representative from the winning team will have 3 chances to knock ‘em in the water!

Willits Rotary Club, HMH “Misfits”, HMH Med-Surg, Emandal Farm, Mendocino Rugby Club, Little Lake Health Center, Sparetime Supply, Willits Lion’s Club, Ridgewood T.R.A.I.L. Riders, Shanachie Pub and Visit Mendocino, Inc., have formed teams and are eagerly anticipating the big race.  There are a couple of slots still available for interested teams.  Prior to the event each team is in the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Contest to see who can raise the most money by collecting individual donations and sponsorship.   Half of each team’s total will go toward the construction of the new Health & Wellness Center at the Frank R. Howard Foundation’s Medical Campus, while the other half goes to the team’s local non-profit charity-of-their-choice.  Additionally, plaques will be awarded to the top 3 individual and team fundraisers as well as to the team with the best decorated bed.  For more information, or if you’d like to make a donation to one of the teams, please contact Ian Fitzpatrick at 459-3047.

“A Day at the Races Part III”, Howard Community Healthcare Foundation’s annual hospital bed races, will take place on Saturday, August 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Haehl Creek Dr.  Local organizations and businesses have already begun to form teams and excitement has begun to build.  Each team will consist of five people and each race will pair two teams at a time on the Haehl Creek Drive track.

This is the third year for this event with the previous two years raising in

Willits Frontier Days and the Misfits of HMH square off at A Day at the Races.

excess of $40,000.  Prior to the event each team is in the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Contest” to see who can raise the most money by collecting individual donations and sponsorships. A unique twist this year is that half of each team’s total will go toward the construction of the new Health & Wellness Center at the Frank R. Howard Foundation’s Medical Campus, while the other half goes to the team’s local non-profit charity-of-their-choice.

“Many local non-profits are in need of money during these challenging economic times,” explains Ian Fitzpatrick of the Howard Foundation, “and because they might not be able to host their own fundraising event, we thought it would be a good idea to work together with local non-profits in order to leverage our collective ability to raise funds.  We hope the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Contest” will prove to be an effective way for local non-profits to plug into an existing event while showcasing themselves at the races on August 14^th.  Howard Foundation is making the event FREE to attend and is planning to make the event a perfect evening for families.  We hope that you will come join us and cheer your favorite team on to victory!”

Firing up both spectators and team participants will be live music by Samba Jamba.  With a focus on Latin music and with dynamic vocals in English, Portuguese and Spanish, the band has been performing all over Mendocino County for over four years playing an eclectic mix of arrangements including well-known Latin jazz, and Brazilian classics made famous by Sergio Mendes & Brazil ‘66 and Antonio Jobim. Get ready to heat up the track with this spicy group of local musicians!

Willits Lion’s club will be providing food and drinks for a nominal charge.  A dunk tank, face painting, raffles and other games will be available for all to enjoy.

For more information please call Ian Fitzpatrick at 459-3047 or email at ian@howardfoundation.org.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fundraising Contest

“A Day at the Races Part III”, Howard Community Healthcare Foundation’s annual hospital bed races, will take place on Saturday, August 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Haehl Creek Dr.  The event is free to attend and will be highlighted by the hospital bed races as teams compete for the coveted “Bedpan of Champions” which was won by the “HMH Misfits” in 2008 and by Sparetime Supply in 2009.  Along with bragging rights, the trophy in engraved with each year’s winner and the winning team keeps possession of the trophy until the next year’s race.  Live music will be performed by Samba Jamba, a BBQ will be hosted by the Willits Lion’s Club for a nominal cost.  Entertainment you ask? Pie eating contest, oh yeah! A dunk tank with the chance of dunking . . . now wait, we’re not giving that away just yet. Fun stuff too . . . face painting, kettle corn, snow cones.

Prior to the event each team is in the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Contest” to see who can raise the most money by collecting individual donations and sponsorships. A unique twist this year is that half of each team’s total will go toward the construction of the new Health & Wellness Center at the Frank R. Howard Foundation’s Medical Campus, while the other half goes to the team’s local non-profit charity-of-their-choice.  Baechtel Creek Inn holds that record when they collected $5,290 back in 2008.

The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Contest” is meant to inspire team members to get out and collect donations.  All the prizes have been donated by local merchants and individuals.  Prizes include a special San Francisco 49ers collectors package featuring the team’s five Super Bowl Championships,  a new compound miter saw from Mendo Mill, a beautiful purse and shawl combo from Cat’s Meow, beef from John Ford Ranch, tickets to the 2010 Wine & Mushroom Train, and a dinner for 10 at Margie Handley’s home, President of the Howard Foundation.  Additionally, plaques will be awarded to the top 3 individual and team fundraisers as well as to the team with the best decorated bed.

If you would like to participate with a team, please contact Ian Fitzpatrick at 459-3047 for more information.

This fun-for-the-whole-family summer evening event has it all covered…food, live music, dancing, booths, dunk tanks and of course, the main event . . . the hospital bed races. Contests will range from the best-decorated bed to teams that raise the most money by collecting sponsorships and donations.

The first year’s winner “The Misfits from HMH” were narrowly defeated last year by Sparetime Supply.  Who will win this year and take home the engraved “Bedpan of Champions”?  Teams have already begun to sign up.  It is free for a team to enter and any local business or organization is welcome to participate.  The event is a great for teambuilding and promotion while raising money for the new Howard Foundation’s medical campus.  All you need are 5 people willing to flail themselves down Haehl Creek Dr on a hospital bed.

Each team has the option to set up an informational booth to hand out flyers/coupons etc to our several hundred “fans” that come to watch the races.

For more information please call Ian Fitzpatrick at 459-3047 or email at ian@howardfoundation.org.

A CELEBRATIION OF FINE ART & AMERICA’S CHAMPION RACEHORSE, SEABISCUIT

New Howard Foundation Wellness Center & Historic Preservation Efforts by the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation Supported

Best-Selling author Laura Hillenbrand Honored with Special Statue

Willits, CA, May 23, 2010 – Friends, fans and supporters of the legacy of Seabiscuit and Charles S. Howard gathered together at Ridgewood Ranch, the home of the horseracing legend Seabiscuit in celebration of a Seabiscuit themed art exhibition and benefit auction on the Anniversary of the first patient admitted at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in 1928 and the Anniversary of Seabiscuit’s birth on Saturday, May 22.

The festive evening included artwork depicting the legacy of the Great American horse racing icon in a variety of styles and media, show tunes of the 30’s and 40’s by the accomplished pianist David Lisle and such “Hollywood Luminaries” portrayed by talented community actors, such as Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, Bing Crosby, Shirley Temple and John Wayne, as would have frequented the ranch in the days of Seabiscuit, Charles and Marcela Howard. Noted radio host and actor Justin Briggs conducted the lively live auction and Black Bart poetry reading at the conclusion of the evening.

Numerous community artists generously agreed to participate in the event with their works featured at auction and for exhibit. “We are truly touched by the generous show of support of our community artists and beyond.” noted Jacqueline Cooper, Executive Director of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation.

The event, in support of Frank R. Howard Foundation currently raising funds for a new Frank R. Howard Foundation Wellness Center, as well as the continued historic preservation efforts of historic Ridgewood Ranch led by the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, also honored Laura Hillenbrand, author of the best-seller Seabiscuit – An American Legend for her contribution to the community of Willits.

Seabiscuit’s owner Charles Howard devoted himself to turn a tragic event, the untimely loss of his son, into our ultimate good by funding the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits and thereby benefitting generations to come. Since 1928, Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital has served the community of Willits and northern Mendocino County with distinction.

Ridgewood Ranch is the champion’s home and final resting place. With 5,000 acres of the original 16,000 acres remaining, many of the historic buildings of the Seabiscuit and Howard era still remain today. Most are in an urgent need of repair and state of preservation.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 2004 to preserve and display the historic and cultural artifacts, landscapes and buildings that constitute the legacy of Seabiscuit, sponsoring special events and programs, including historic walking tours, and seasonal docent-led nature walks for the general public at historic Ridgewood Ranch.

“I would like to express a special thank you to the members of the Rotary Club, among others, who have generously supported us by funding Seabiscuit’s Stud Barn restoration in 2004.” emphasized Tracy Livingston, the President of the non-profit organization. The beautifully restored barn, along with the home of Charles Howard have become an attraction for tourists far and wide.

Representatives of Atlas Bronze Casting, artisans Kim Corpany and Stanley Watts, produced a special sculpture of Seabiscuit titled “Morning Workout” to be presented to Laura Hillenbrand as a token of appreciation. This bronze sculpture of Seabiscuit with George “The Iceman” Woolf  was created after Marcela Howard’s favorite photograph of the great horse.

In a statement read on his behalf, the Great-grandson of Charles Howard, Col. Michael Howard U.S.M.C. (ret.) honored Hillenbrand, who is currently authoring a second book on the occasion of her birthday as well.

“Not only do we want to honor you on what you have accomplished regarding Seabiscuit, but we also know that you have wrapped up your second major work after seven long years. We wish you the very best on this book, and that the editing and publication process will consist of “fair winds and following seas” … Keep that wonderful, indomitable sense of humor of yours. As in Seabiscuit, we know that you have once again poured your heart and soul into another worthwhile project. We can’t wait to read it.” stated Col. Howard.

In addition, authors Bunny McLeod and Roni McFadden, a resident of Willits, conducted a book signing for their story book titled: Josephine-A Tale of Hope and Happy Endings. This is a touching account, told from a little filly’s perspective is based on actual events, portraying the doubts and uncertainties a young orphan may feel as she faces the prospect of going on without the most important individual in her young life, her mother.

The inspirational book published by “The Biscuit Press” in association with American Legend Horse Farm (www.legendhorse.com), features “Josephine” the first descendant of Seabiscuit born at the historic Howard mare barn in over 50 years.  Sadly, the young filly was orphaned at just four days of age. Her story became one of survival and hope.

The book, underwritten by Mendocino County Farm Supply, is beautifully illustrated by Sierra Gaston and endorsed by best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand. All proceeds from the book are in support two charitable causes: The new Frank R. Howard Foundation’s Wellness Center, as well as TRAIL a therapeutic riding program located at historic Ridgewood Ranch since 1993.

Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation Partners with Howard Community Healthcare Foundation for Special Event

Working together to preserve the Legacy of Seabiscuit

April 26, 2010 Willits, California – More than 500 community artists have been invited to participate to feature their artwork at a silent and live auction to help raise funds in support of two charitable causes:  a new Frank R. Howard Foundation Medical Campus, and the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, promoting the cultural legacy of Ridgewood Ranch, home and final resting place of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit.

The event is by reservation only and the public is invited to attend the Seabiscuit’s legacy themed art exhibition, dinner & benefit auction at historic Ridgewood Ranch, home of the legendary racehorse, in Willits California on Saturday, May 22. For ticket information please, contact http://howardfoundation.org or call (707) 459-2777.

Guests will have the opportunity to view the equestrian themed exhibit, as well as bid on an array of exclusive silent auction items. Locally-enacted Hollywood luminaries will serve refreshments along with hors d’oeuvres. Following a special presentation in honor of best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand, guests will enjoy a gourmet meal. A live auction and Black Bart poetry reading by actor Justin Briggs will conclude the evening.

With the destruction and development of Glenn Riddle Farm, home of Seabiscuit’s greatest rival War Admiral and his great grandsire the legendary Man O War, Ridgewood Ranch is one of the few existing sites that depicts a time in our history when a small racehorse with incredible heart captured the imagination of an entire nation.

Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation formed in 2004 to preserve and display for the general public the historic and cultural artifacts, facilities and environment of the champion racehorse on Ridgewood Ranch.  In addition to charitable activities, the organization sponsors special events and programs for the general public, such as seasonal ranch tours and docent-led nature hikes by reservation only.  Perhaps most importantly, the foundation strives to promote land conservation and historic preservation of Ridgewood Ranch.

For seasonal tour schedules or to make reservations visit www.seabiscuitheritage.org or call 707.459.5992.

To reserve docent- led nature walks free of charge call 707.508.8729 or visit www.seabiscuitheritage.org/conservancy.html

The  Seabiscuit Legacy Art Exhibition and Auction, a benefit for Seabiscuit Heritage and Howard Foundation in celebration of fine art and the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit – scheduled on May 22, 2010 at the champion’s home, Ridgewood Ranch, Willits, California.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation and The Howard Community Healthcare Foundation with the support of the Arts Council of Mendocino, will host “Seabiscuit’s Legacy Art Exhibition, Dinner & Benefit Auction at historic Ridgewood Ranch on May 22, 2010 from 5:00 – 9:30 pm.  The event will be a celebration of the great race horse’s birthday which is on May 23, 1933 and honoring Howard Memorial Hospital admitting its first patient on May 20, 1928.

Many of Ridgewood’s historic buildings built by Seabiscuit’s owner, and founding donor of Howard Memorial Hospital, Charles S. Howard, still remain and are in urgent need of repair.  The 5,000 acre ranch has been named one of 11 most threatened historical sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the nation. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation actively promotes the cultural legacy of Ridgewood Ranch, the home and final resting place of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, through historic preservation and environmental conservation.   The Howard Foundation is raising funds for a Health and Wellness Center on the new Frank R. Howard Foundation Medical Campus.

Seabiscuit’s Legacy art exhibit and benefit auction will feature art depicting the legacy of the Great American horse racing icon in a variety of styles and media.  Community artists have been invited to participate and their work will be featured at a silent and live auction.  Charles S. Howard’s great grandson, Col Michael Howard (ret.) U.S.M.C., will serve as the auctioneer for the evening.  Proceeds from the event will go to support the two charitable organizations that are striving to protect and preserve Seabiscuit’s and Charles Howard’s Legacy.

Guests will be able to enjoy the art show and silent auction during an opening reception featuring non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers while being entertained with live music performed by the accomplished David Lisle.  Local community actors have agreed to participate as volunteer servers while dressed as Hollywood luminaries, Charles Howard’s contemporaries, during the event. Carol Lombard, Shirley Temple, John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable and Black Bart who will be doing a poetry reading, are all scheduled to appear.  Following the reception will be dinner and live auction.

In addition, an inspirational children’s book titled: Josephine – A Tale of Hope and Happy Endings is scheduled to debut at the May 22 signature event. Co-authors Bunny McCleod and Roni McFadden will be conducting an author’s book signing. All proceeds are donated to charity. The story book featuring a Seabiscuit heir is officially endorsed by noted and best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand.

Artwork, will include, but is not limited to an equestrian theme.  Works will include the paintings of the oak woodlands, old-growth Redwood groves, and the landscapes that constitute Seabiscuit’s legacy.  Seabiscuit’s stud barn, Howard Memorial Hospital and other historic structures in the community will be featured. Seating is limited.  All inclusive tickets are $75 and can be purchased HERE or by calling 707 459-2777.

This marks the second year in a row that the HCHF has received appropriations funding bringing the total amount received to $538,100.  All funds will go directly to the Hospital Building Fund.  These monies are part of the federal government’s effort to invest in the nation’s future.

HCHF’s primary focus is the receiving of funds raised for the new hospital facility.  These funds are separate from the general operating budget of the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital and the Frank R. Howard Foundation.  HCHF is the fund-receiving arm for the new hospital facility.

“The recent events in Haiti, and closer to home in Eureka, should serve as a reminder of how important preparedness is when dealing with earthquakes,” said Congressman Thompson.  “This funding will be used to help the hospital meet California’s seismic compliance requirements and enable the hospital to continue providing access to health care services in Mendocino County.  We need to continue to invest in our infrastructure, not only to prepare us for the worst, but also to create good jobs and ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.”

Margie Handley, President of the Howard Foundation states, “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Thompson and his entire staff for their help in securing federal dollars for our project.”   Fund Development Coordinator for the HCHF, Ian Fitzpatrick explains, “We are submitting another application for the next round of appropriations and we are hopeful for another positive outcome.  In addition, we have been monitoring the disbursement of dollars from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) as we feel the new hospital campus falls within the requirements for funding.”