HCHF Donates $188,100 to HMH for New Equipment
The Howard Community Healthcare Foundation Receives $188,100 and contributes toward a new Portable X-Ray Machine at HMH
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.”
Day at the Races – Team Line-Up
“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.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Contest Prizes
A Day at the Races: Episode III
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.
Calling all “A Day at the Races Part III” Teams!
The return of Howard Community Healthcare Foundation’s hospital bed races, “A Day at the Races Part III” will take place on Saturday, August 14, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the new hospital site. Each team will consist of five people and each race will pair two teams at a time on the Haehl Creek Drive track. This will be a single elimination event with the winning team moving onto the next round and continuing until there is a winner who can claim the coveted, “Bedpan of Champions” trophy.
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.
Art Auction Success
SEABISCUIT’S LEGACY ART EXHIBITION & BENEFIT AUCTION
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.
Legacy of Seabiscuit
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
Seabiscuit’s Legacy Art Show & Auction
Seabiscuit’s Legacy ART EXHIBITION & BENEFIT AUCTION
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.
Howard Community Healthcare Foundation Receives $350,000 from a Federal Appropriation
Willits, CA January 29, 2010 – U.S. Representative Mike Thompson’s office announced that the Howard Community Healthcare Foundation (HCHF) has received a $350,000 federal appropriation that will be used to offset construction expenses for the new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Campus. The allocation is among a larger federal disbursement and is part of an omnibus package combining multiple appropriations bills.
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.”
Seabiscuit’s Legacy Art Auction and Benefit
The Seabiscuit Heritage and The Frank R.Howard Foundation Present:
Seabiscuit’s Legacy ART EXHIBITION & BENEFIT AUCTION
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.
Willits, CA, January 14, 2010 — The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation and The Frank R. Howard Foundation with the support of the Arts Council of Mendocino, launches a call to artists to participate in a premiere art event scheduled on May 22, 2010. ‘May the World Never Forget the Magnificent Seabiscuit.’
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. More than 500 community artists have been invited to participate and their work will be featured at a silent and live auction to help raise money for the new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital Building Fund and the preservation efforts of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. Many of the historic buildings built by Seabiscuit’s owner, and founding donor of Howard Memorial Hospital, C.S. Howard, still remain and are in urgent need of repair. The Howard Foundation is raising funds for a new state-of-the art hospital in Willits.
“The theme is Seabiscuit’s Legacy,” says Jacqueline Cooper, a representative of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. “Artwork, will include, but is not limited to an equestrian theme. Works can 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 our community would be very appropriate.”
Each participating individual is invited to create their impression of the horses’ legacy, with approximately four months to create their personal interpretation. There are two categories of participation: Seabiscuit’s Legacy or other select, finished artworks artists may wish to contribute.
Participation in the Seabiscuit Art Exhibit & Benefit Auction will include work from members of the Arts Council of Mendocino County. Community artists are especially encouraged to participate. There is no entry fee, but those who wish to be included, are invited to return their artworks to the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation Office by the submission deadline of May 7. Those participating have the option to retain a commission of the auction price or donate the full proceeds to the event. For more information or to request an artist’s contract, contact seabiscuit@instawave.net or call 707 459-5992.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation to honor our shared history,” says Ian Fitzpatrick of the Frank R. Howard Foundation. “We also look forward to collaborating with Mendocino County artists to put on an outstanding event where all parties benefit.”
Special thanks to Anna Kvinsland, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Mendocino County and Gary Martin, Director of the Willits Chapter for their guidance and support with this project.
The Seabiscuit Heritage and the Howard Foundation will host the Art Exhibit, Dinner & Benefit Auction on Saturday, May 22 from 6:00pm – 9:30pm at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits. This event is by reservation only and will feature live music, dinner and refreshments. The general public can purchase tickets in advance for the Seabiscuit Art Show & Benefit Auction by contacting 707-459-5992 or seabiscuit@instawave.net for more information.
COMMONWEALTH Gardens Update
As 2009 comes to a close, we’d would like to take this opportunity to report on what has been accomplished at the garden site to date: Fencing around the entire 8-acre garden site,drilling and development of a solar well, an 8 x 10 ft. pumphouse (will also serve as tool storage shed), orchard planted (over 50 fruit and nut trees in addition to several types ofberries), and cover crop seed planted (the day before the first good rainfall).
A heartfelt thank you goes to Brian and Ellen Bartholomew who donated the seed to cover the 3+ acre vegetable planting area, and to John Ford and Brian Shuster who allowed us to use the seeder (John.s) and tractor (Brian.s). Many thanks go to those for their kind donations: Sanhedrin Nursery, Cold CreekCompost, Sparetime Supply, Kathryn Green, Keith Johnson, John Schadeck, Roy Branson, Chamberlain CreekWork Crew, those who continue to send in monetary doantions, and to the many volunteers who gave of their time planting and watering the orchard.
Where to from here? Next season we.ll focus on building more garden infrastructure (irrigation system, greenhouse, pathways, gazebo), as well as continue to build soil fertility by continuing to plant additional cover crops.
If you would like to volunteer materials, time, etc., to COMMONWEALTH Gardens, you can reach Ananda Johnson at 707 459-2777. It is always deeply appreciated and very much needed.
