AsanteForward reaches $35 million in donations thanks to community support

SOUTHERN, Ore. — A big effort in Southern Oregon to transform the quality and scope of healthcare to Rogue Valley residents has surpassed expectations because of the community’s support.

The Asante Foundation has been working on its philanthropic AsanteForward campaign for about 4 years now and is significantly ahead of schedule for meeting its ultimate goal.

AsanteFoward is a 10-year capital campaign for its facilities in Jackson County and Josephine County and it has already raised more than $35 million of its $50 million goal.

AsanteForward’s mission is to provide residents with exceptional care within their own community.

“Asante is taking care of all of us; me, you, our neighbors, our loved ones and this program, this campaign, is doing that,” Andrea Reeder, director of campaign and operations at Asante Foundation, said.

Around 9,335 donors have contributed to AsanteForward to help improve the lives of people who live in their community now and in the future.

“Raising $35 million really represents the generosity and dedication of this community," Reeder said. "A lot of work went into planning and engaging donors, helping them understand the impact of their giving."

AsanteForward has six initiatives including building a new patient pavilion to house a women’s and children’s hospital-within-a-hospital. The pavilion would also house cardiac care, critical care and advanced surgical services including cancer care age-friendly care, behavioral health and expanded emergency services.

Since the campaign began 4 years ago, the Asante Foundation has been able to expand the Three Rivers emergency department, build two new cancer centers and make many other enhancements.

“Increase in capacity will be helpful, the staff appreciates it and we’re going see the communities be served for years to come,” president and CEO of Asante, Scott Kelly said.

The money raised so far would not be possible without donors like George and Susan Alameda, who are residents of the area for about 15 years.

Susan Alameda has been a volunteer at Asante for 4 years and wanted to seize the opportunity to get involved. The Alameda's donated $1 million dollars toward the patient pavilion and will have the intensive care unit (ICU) named after them.

“We just felt that it was our responsibility to contribute to help create a cornerstone for our community in healthcare,” George Alameda said.

The couple said it is gratifying to know they can be part of bettering their community and knowing their donation will help provide a better level of intensive care service.

The Alamedas encouraged others to get involved in any way possible whether that be financial support or volunteering time.

Andrea Reeder stated that anyone interested in helping out with the campaign can visit the Asante Foundation’s website.

The Asante Foundation expects to exceed its $50 million dollar goal by the end of its AsanteForward campaign, thanks to community support.