|
Dear Friend,
As we settle into the first few months of the new year, I want to take a moment to say a heartfelt 'thank you'.
Because of your incredible generosity, our year-end appeal not only met—but surpassed—the $50,000 matching gift challenge generously provided by the Wong family, longtime Washington Health champions. Your support helps ensure every patient who walks through our doors receives exceptional, compassionate care.
This edition of Foundation Focus showcases what’s possible when our caring community comes together. Inside, you’ll read about:
- Expanded access through our new Urgent Care Center
- Continued investments in early cancer detection
- Philanthropic funding approved for 2026
- How planned giving can turn gratitude into a lasting legacy
Again, thank you for helping us build a healthier community—today and for generations to come.
With sincere appreciation,
| | | | |
| | |
Sarah G. Gemski
Executive Director
Washington Health Foundation
| | | | |
P.S. Your partnership matters now more than ever, Friend. As changes in health care legislation create new challenges for community hospitals, your gift plays a vital role in keeping Washington Health independent, locally focused, and accessible for everyone in the Tri-City area. | | | | | |
| |
| |
Left to right: Ruchir Patel, Director, Information Services, Raylene Crider, Washington Health Medical Group, Mike Rogers, Director, Washington Health, and Tina Nunez, Sr. VP, Washington Health
| | New Urgent Care Center Opens in Fremont | |
Access to timely medical care just became easier for Tri-City residents! Washington Health’s new Urgent Care Center in Fremont opened on December 17—bringing high-quality, convenient care closer to home for thousands of neighbors.
Developed in response to our Community Health Needs Assessment, the center treats non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses—including sprains, fractures, cuts, and pain—decreasing emergency department wait times and helping patients get the right care at the right time.
| “Our new Urgent Care Center allows our neighbors to access the right level of care quickly and close to home,” said Washington Health CEO Kimberly Hartz. | Through your generous support of our year-end appeal, we raised more than $150,000 to equip this expansion with essential tools like a state-of-the-art EKG machine, new exam tables, and a specialized vaccine refrigerator. Your contributions have transformed a community need into a compassionate solution and a new front door to healing for us all. | | | | |
| |
| |
Leaders from the Washington Township Health Care District Board, CEO Kimberly Hartz, Medical Director Dr. Bogdan Eftimie, UCSF Health Network President Brian Sinotte, California State Senator Aisha Wahab, Assemblymember Alex Lee, and Washington Health Foundation Trustees Nikki Dutra and Dr. Aaron Barry gathered to celebrate this historic moment. | Bringing Hope Home: A New Chapter in Cancer Care | |
This winter, our community gathered to celebrate the opening of the expanded UCSF – Washington Cancer Center — a milestone made possible by you. Because of the generosity of donors who gave through Washington Health Foundation, advanced cancer care is now closer to home for families across southern Alameda County.
For many Tri-City Area patients, treatment once meant long drives across the Bay during an already overwhelming time. Today, they can receive leading-edge therapies, access clinical trials, and be cared for by trusted specialists right here in their own community.
The 15,000-square-foot expansion, funded through Washington Health Foundation's $12 million philanthropic campaign, includes 17 infusion bays, private exam rooms, and expanded treatment and procedure spaces designed with comfort and dignity in mind. Every detail reflects a shared commitment to compassionate, high-quality care.
At the celebration, one neighbor shared that she received weekly treatment for multiple myeloma at the center for six months. “Being able to come here and see familiar faces in the community was just calming for me,” she said. “Washington has the most amazing team.”
Thanks to generous donors like you, families facing cancer can access exceptional care close to home, surrounded by a caring community. Thank you for helping make this life-changing expansion possible.
| | | | |
| |
| |
Your Generosity at Work: $6.1 Million Approved for Washington Health Programs for 2026 | We’re proud to share that the Washington Health Foundation Board and Trustees recently approved $6.1 million in philanthropic funds to support programs and initiatives that will advance expert care, genuine human connection, and a healthier Alameda County. | Here are just some of the important services your generosity will fund in 2026: | | |
Cancer Care:
Acquiring the advanced Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform, helping specialists provide a safer, more accurate diagnosis at the earliest and most treatable stages of cancer.
| |
Behavioral Health:
Expanding access to mental health awareness and services, filling a critical care gap in our region.
| | |
Urgent Care:
Providing convenient care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses at the new center in Fremont.
| | |
Professional Development:
Offering specialized training for nurses through the Saroj Kumar & Jain Scholarship.
| | | | |
| |
Looking Back: Your 2025 Impact | Philanthropy transformed patient care in powerful and tangible ways in 2025, expanding access, advancing treatment, and strengthening support for patients and caregivers across Washington Health. Highlights include: | | toward UCSF – Washington Cancer Center construction | | for a 3T wide-bore MRI scanner | | to expand outpatient palliative care | | | toward professional development training for nurses | | for behavioral health initiatives | | for trauma equipment and training | | | Together, these investments translate into even more care options, improved outcomes, and the gift of hope for patients who rely on Washington Health every day. Thank you for your continued support. | | | | |
| |
Gordon with his daughter, Jenny. | | Giving with Purpose: Gordon Gillmouth's Story | After his wife passed away five years ago, Gordon found a way to honor her care and support his community through giving. | “I’ve had a blessed life and want to provide assistance to better the community,” Gordon said. “And contributing to a community health organization is even more important now in light of cutbacks in federal spending.” | Gordon gives to Washington Health Foundation each year through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from his IRA. This approach allows his gift to count toward his required minimum distribution while reducing his taxable income. | “If I were to donate cash, Washington Health would only receive about 70% of my donation, with the other 30% going to taxes. It's a win-win,” Gordon said. | | New Year, New Ways to Give | Giving back in 2026 comes with a few new perks. New tax rules may create more flexibility—and in some cases, greater benefits—for donors supporting Washington Health's Mission.
Here's a quick overview of what's changed: | | | |
If you take the standard deduction, you may now be able to receive a tax benefit for cash gifts—up to $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly—even without itemizing.
| | | |
Have appreciated assets? Donating shares of stock or real estate instead of cash can help you avoid capital gains taxes while allowing you to give at their full value.
| | | |
For donors age 70 1/2 and older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) now lets you give up to $111,000 directly from your IRA annually, count the gift toward your Required Minimum Distribution, and reduce taxable income.
| | | |
Maximize your 2026 tax savings by using a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to 'bunch' multiple years of giving into a single contribution, helping you clear the new 0.5% AGI deduction floor while supporting Washington Health Foundation.
| | | Interested in learning more about ways to give, including gifts of stock, exploring a company match, or setting up a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to support Washington Health Foundation? Our team can help you choose the option that works best for your situation. Contact Sarah Gemski at foundation@washingtonhealth.com or 510.818.7350 today to get started. | | Disclaimer: This information is educational only. Please consult your professional advisor for guidance on your personal situation. | | | | |
| |
| |
| | Save the Date—Top Hat Returns October 10, 2026 | |
Join us for a festive evening as Washington Health Foundation celebrates its 40th Annual Top Hat Gala on Saturday, October 10. Enjoy dinner and a show, a live auction, dancing, and more—all in support of life-changing care for our Tri-City community.
Ticket details and event highlights coming soon!
| | | | |
| | Welcome New Foundation Trustees and Members! | |
We extend a warm welcome to our new Trustees and Members joining us in 2026. Congratulations on your new roles!
-
New Trustees: Sharon Gallacher, Briana Holland, and Jojo Ong
-
New Members: Jacinta Arteaga, Brenda Balletto, Anchal Dhawan, Mike Kearns, John Peterson, and Amy Van Hecke
| | | | |
| | A New Way to Drive Change for Washington Health | |
We’re excited to partner with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to make supporting Washington Health Foundation easier than ever! Donate your car, truck, or RV—running or not—and CARS handles the pickup and paperwork.
Visit our CARS page or call 855.500.RIDE to donate today!
| | | | |
Convenient Care, On Your Schedule. | | | | |
|
When life’s unexpected health needs arise, we’re right around the corner. At Washington Health Urgent Care in Fremont, you’ll get fast, convenient care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries—so you can skip the emergency room and get back to what matters most.
Enjoy online scheduling, self-service check-in, on-site X-ray, and point-of-care lab testing. Led by a board-certified physician and supported by advanced technology, our team makes high-quality care seamless, efficient, and centered on you.
Accessible. Responsive. Close to home.
Our reason is you. Since 1958.
| | | | |
| |
