1

Seton Hays Close UpA newsletter for friends of the Seton Hays Foundation, supporting Seton Medical Center Hays, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals

In this Issue

Health Care Close to Where You LivePage 3

Meet the Foundation Board of TrusteesPage 5

Tree of Life Comes to LifePage 6

Summer 2010 • Vol. I, No. I

When Bill Johnson’s sister was hospitalized several years ago in Houston, she found solace in the hospital’s small courtyard. “It wasn’t much, but it was a chance for her to be outside,” Bill says.

This memory, combined with his family’s love for rural Hays County, inspired a generous pledge from Bill through the Burdine Johnson Foundation, established in the 1960s and named for Bill’s mother. The $500,000 pledge helps fund the capital campaign for Seton Medical Center Hays. In appreciation, the medical center’s healing garden will be named for the Johnson Family.

“I find spirituality in nature. Everything about a healing garden is helpful for patients as well as family members,” Bill says.

“We are incredibly grateful for this support,” says Gerald Hill, executive director of the Seton Hays Foundation. “Patients, family, visitors and staff will equate the comfort and serenity of the healing garden with the Burdine Johnson Foundation.

It seems especially appropriate to name the garden after an organization long synonymous with helping others.”

A Legacy that Spans Generations

The roots of the family’s giving started with Bill’s parents, Jack and Burdine Johnson. The couple had a particular interest in arts and education projects. Today, their incredible philanthropic legacy continues through Bill and his older sisters, Lucy and Burdine, who both head their own foundations, in Seattle and Houston respectively.

Bill grew up in Houston, but loved to visit the family ranch near Kyle; it always felt like his refuge. In 1970, Bill was a freshman at the University of Texas. After being in Austin for a year, he decided to move out to the ranch. “It was the best of both worlds. Being on the ranch

gave me a feeling of being in the country, but kept me close enough to finish school at UT.”

Continued on Page 7

A lot of what makes Hays County appealing is the open space. It’s definitely a great place to live. I just want to do what I can to keep it that way.

Wide Open SpacesThe Johnson family’s love for nature a natural fit for healing garden at Seton Medical Center Hays

Several projects have received funding from the Burdine Johnson FoundationKyle Library • Hays Consolidated ISD Kodaly Music Program Concert Hall at Round Top Music Festival • St. Stephen’s School of Wimberley

2

Come tour Hays County’s largest hospitalIt is my distinct pleasure to serve as executive director of the Seton Hays Foundation. The foundation was established to assist with the development of Seton Medical Center Hays (SMCH), the Seton Family of Hospitals’ newest member, providing both financial support and advocacy.

Seton built this Hays County facility to bring top-quality medical care to this fast-growing area, an area that–until now–had been considered medically underserved.

We feel so thankful for the incredibly positive response we have received from patients, their families and visitors alike. That support is critical to ensuring the continued success of our new medical center.

The Seton Hays Foundation is committed to raising $30 million in the next few years to help pay for construction and equipment costs for the $143.7 million SMCH project. On the face of it, this may seem like an overwhelming number, but given what we’ve experienced thus far in this wonderful new area we call home, I’m confident we will be successful. We invite your help in meeting this challenge.

If you haven’t yet had an opportunity to tour SMCH, please consider this an invitation to do so. Contact the foundation office at (512) 504-5075. We welcome your interest in helping us improve the lives of those we serve throughout Hays County.

In the meantime, please enjoy this edition of Seton Hays Close Up.

Sincerely,

Gerald HillExecutive DirectorSeton Hays Foundation

Support quality medical services for Hays CountyI would like to welcome you to our first Seton Hays Foundation newsletter. You will read about the activities and growth of this rapidly expanding facility and we invite you to tour and become acquainted with our many services.

The Central Texas corridor is the fastest growing area in the state. Families, businesses and schools are relocating up and down I-35 and the access to quality medical care is increasingly important.

Having relocated my business to here as well, I am pleased to be associated with the Seton Family of Hospitals and excited about its expansion into Hays County. I have enjoyed a long relationship with Seton: my children were born at Seton Medical Center Austin and I am a donor and supporter of Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas.

The Seton Hays Foundation is committed to gaining your support to further Seton’s mission: to serve all who may come through our doors needing care, with a special concern for the poor and the vulnerable.

Whether through volunteering your time or giving financially, you are invited to become involved and help us serve the people of Hays County. We are fortunate to have the doctors, staff and equipment in this beautiful hospital and with your help, our medical care will continue to be second-to-none and will be more accessible.

Chuck NashChairman Seton Hays Foundation

3

Here to serve you: the Seton Hays FoundationThe Seton Hays Foundation works with area businesses and community members to provide philanthropic support to Seton Medical Center Hays. We invite you to join us in our effort to help improve the lives of those we serve throughout Hays County. Please contact us to answer any questions you may have or to arrange a tour of our facility, or visit our website at www.setonhaysfoundation.org for more information.

Gerald Hill, Executive Directorgwhill@seton.org (512) 504-5075

Michele Gonzalez, Director of Developmentmegonzalez@seton.org (512) 504-5076

Melinda Edmondson, Special Events Coordinatormedmondson@seton.org (512) 504-5077

Debbie Burns, Executive Assistantdburns@seton.org (512) 504-5061

Health care for you, close to where you live Before Seton Medical Center Hays (SMCH) opened its doors last fall, an estimated 62 percent of the area’s residents were travelling out of the immediate service area for their medical care. The Seton Family of Hospitals realized that you and your neighbors were in need of more convenient and advanced care, closer to where you live.

Historically, Hays County is a medically underserved area expected to grow by more than 50 percent over the next decade. Figures recently released from the Texas State Data Center support those projections. What’s more, the percent of the population over 65 years of age is expected to steadily increase – further boosting demand for health care services.

Kyle is the ideal location for Seton’s newest medical center. The fifth fastest growing city in Texas, Kyle experienced an increase in population of 398 percent from 2000 to 2008, according to the Texas State Data Center. The Data Center also reported that the I-35 corridor, which includes Buda, Kyle and San Marcos, was the fastest-growing area in Hays County, increasing in population by 107 percent during that same time period.

Thus, when Seton identified property available for purchase with excellent north and south access via I-35 and Kyle Parkway, and east and west access via Hwy 150, the plans were set in motion.

Today, not only does Seton Medical Center Hays bring you access to top specialists and award winning healthcare services close to where you live, we are also creating jobs and attracting millions of new tax dollars into local schools, public safety, parks and other entities. The medical center and related medical services as well as support businesses are expected to create approximately 19,000 jobs by 2020. In addition, SMCH has broader implications for the region’s economic development and will help boost Hays County’s competitive standing as a premier location to start, relocate and grow a business.

From left to right: Gerald Hill, Michele Gonzalez, Melinda Edmondson, and Debbie Burns.

4

A Leader for Seton: A Leader in GivingTom Gallagher has seen the Seton Family of Hospitals grow from a single location to a network of ten hospitals, three community health centers and a variety of community programs.

I sincerely believe in the Seton organization and our mission and the value we bring to the Hays County community. That is why it was important for me to have a personal commitment to Seton Medical Center Hays as well as a professional one.

Investing in Hays County

Through a generous $100,000 pledge, Tom and his wife, Carolyn, provided the Seton Hays Foundation with its first gift–a gift that goes directly to support Seton Medical Center Hays. In recognition, the Women’s Center lobby will be named for the Gallagher family.

For the Gallaghers, philanthropy is a family affair. “As a family, we evaluate opportunities to give to organizations in which we have a keen interest including arts, education and health care.”

Not only do they show their support to the community through funding, but also with the gift of time. Carolyn, a retired executive, serves on several civic and educational boards including St. Edwards University, the Long Center, which she chairs, and the US Postal System, for which she’s completing a term as chair.

Tom is chair of the Austin Community College Foundation and just completed a term on the board of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Within the Seton Family of Hospitals, he serves on all seven of Seton’s Joint Venture boards as well as on the Seton Hays Foundation board.

Tom joined Seton in 1983 as its chief financial officer and currently is president and chief executive officer of Seton’s south market. This area of the network is comprised of facilities in south Austin, Luling, and the newest member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, Seton Medical Center Hays.

“It was exciting to be part of the Hays project from the beginning,” says Gallagher. “Everything from looking for an ideal site, meeting with the land owner,

watching the construction progress–it was an invigorating experience. Knowing I had some small role in the outcome was amazing.”

Donations Support Seton’s Mission

“I enjoy giving back, both financially and through service. Of course, people need to evaluate for themselves about giving back and they also need to understand that any support is appreciated, no matter what the size of the gift,” he says. “I believe it’s very important for people to consider the value an organization brings to the area. Take the time to become knowledgeable. If you’re considering a gift to support Seton Medical Center Hays–which I hope you will– I encourage you to take a tour and meet the leadership and our incredible staff. More importantly, know that any gift you give will be invested back into the facility and will help us continue to provide quality healthcare services for you and your family for years to come.”

Without philanthropy, a project of this magnitude wouldn’t be possible. I am hopeful that our action can serve as a model for others to consider similar efforts.

Married in 1993, Tom and Carolyn live in Austin with their two high school-age children. Their family also includes two grown children. In his spare time, Tom enjoys travelling, golfing, reading and the University of Texas Longhorns.

Carolyn and Tom Gallagher

5

Chuck Nash, Chair

Charles Nash, Jr., is involved with local and state non-profit organizations. He is the owner of Chuck Nash Chevrolet–Buick –GMC. He has more than 30 years

experience in the automotive industry and is a third generation car dealer. He was nominated for the 2009 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year.

“I am delighted to support Seton Medical Center Hays. It provides high quality health care to our area citizens and brings highly skilled professional jobs to our rapidly growing region. This is truly a win-win situation for our residents and Seton Medical Center Hays.”

Kate Johnson, Vice-Chair Kate is chair and a long-time supporter of the Hays County Historical Commission. She is active with and financially supportive of many civic and

historical projects in Hays County, helping ensure that historic sites throughout the county are preserved for future generations.

“Being a Trustee on the Seton Hays Foundation Board and supporting SMCH correlates perfectly with my civic and historic interests. This Medical Center’s coming to Kyle will forevermore change the historic and civic landscape of Hays County. I am honored to be a party of Kyle’s history-in-the-making.”

Sam Cooper, Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee

Sam Cooper is a practicing CPA with 27 years experience offering specialized services in fee-based wealth management and

financial planning. He is president and founder of The Financial Pavilion, LLC, is a Certified Financial Planner, and serves as treasurer for the City of Buda.

“It is important to be an active participant in your family’s community. By getting involved with the Seton Hays Foundation, I’m not just watching the growth of this area, I’m part of it and can continue to help keep the wellness of our residents a priority.”

Mary Ann Mattis, Secretary

Mary Ann Mattis has been an active supporter of the Kyle area since relocating here with her family in 2002. Since that time, she has continued to maintain her

personal commitment to be an involved member of the community and was recognized as the Hays CISD Volunteer of the Year in 2004.

“Being on the front line and getting to witness the excellence this medical center has brought to Kyle has been incredibly exciting and fulfilling. I am thankful to be a trustee and am dedicated to do all I can to support it.”

Chris Harkrider, Chair,

Grant Committee

Chris Harkrider is senior executive vice president and director of commercial banking for First Community Bank. Chris

oversees commercial banking efforts across Texas. He also serves as president of the Hays Consolidated Independent School District Education Foundation and was instrumental in establishing the Hays Communities YMCA in Buda.

“For the last twenty or so years my community involvement has focused on health, wellness, and education, while reaching out to under-served populations. Serving on the foundation board encompasses all these issues and allows me to make a significant impact on my community.”

Tom Searcy, Chair,

Nominating Committee

Tom Searcy retired in 1999 following a successful career spanning 38 years. He and his wife, Joan, are active with the Kyle

Area Senior Zone and Meals on Wheels. They are also valued volunteers at Seton Medical Center Hays at least three days every week.

“The Central Texas area has been a wonderful place to be in business and raise a family. As a foundation board trustee, I hope to offer experience and counsel in making SMCH even more of a landmark business in Hays County.”

Serving Your Community:Meet the members of the Seton Hays Foundation Board of Trustees

Tree of Life Comes to LifeSeton associate creates beautiful artwork for SMCH

When discussion began around creation of a sculpture for the lobby of the new Seton Medical Center Hays, Seton turned to one of its own.

Joshua Farrell has been the plant operations manager for Seton Edgar B. Davis in Luling for 12 years. He also happens to be a talented artist. Joshua was invited to create a sculpture for the ground blessing event when the site was dedicated. The biggest challenge: he had just three weeks to deliver the finished piece. Even with the tight turnaround, his answer was, “Sure!”

Seton gave Joshua complete creative license and two words to inspire him: tree and growth. “A tree grows through obstacles. It can break sidewalks and lift slabs. Its growth extends outside borders and boundaries in its mission to be a part of and provide for the environment around it,” says Josh.

He was also struck by how welcoming the Hays community had been when word spread that Seton was building a new facility. When he pictured how favor seemed to shine on Seton planting roots in Kyle he says, “Everything just clicked.”

Josh hammered and twisted square metal bars to create the gnarled bark of a tree’s trunk and branches. He cut and shaped hundreds of leaves out of sheets of metal and precisely placed each one. “I wanted it to feel like a canopy with light filtering down through the leaves,” he says. “I was composing a symphony in metal and I wanted each note to be perfect.”

Over the years, Josh has done a lot of work, but for him, the Tree of Life has been the most exciting and fun. The finished piece was unveiled at the ground blessing last spring. In addition, Josh sculpted special individual leaves of copper and engraved them. City and county representatives then placed them on the Tree of Life during the ceremony. These leaves around the Tree of Life further illustrate Seton’s growth and foundation in the communities it serves.

The Tree and its leaves now hang in the SMCH lobby and have received attention and praise. “It’s not necessary,” Josh says. “But it sure is nice.” Tree of Life won the Best in Show award at the Buda Art Fest 2008. To view more of Joshua’s work, visit his website at www.jfarrellart.com.

The Tree of Life by the numbers:

• 11 sketches

• 12 customized copper and brass commemorative leaf sculptures recognizing local communities

• 15 cutting blades

• 29 grinding/polishing wheels

• 150 arch welding rods

• 300 square metal bars

• 480 pounds of sand for sandblasting

• 800 hand-cut, ground and welded leaves

• 5,000 hammer swings

6

Joshua Farrell creates the Tree of Life sculpture

The Tree of Life sculpture hangs in the lobby of Seton Medical Center Hays

His idea of philanthropy was inspired by his parents but especially his mother. “She was very passionate about wanting to help others and to give back to the community,” Bill says. In the 1980s, Bill’s mother asked him to become involved with the foundation. As you might guess, it wasn’t tough to convince him. He was already familiar with foundation work because he had served on the board of his Aunt Susan’s foundation in Houston. Bill also shared his parents’ interest in arts and education-related projects.

There’s No Place Like Home

Lately, Bill has focused his attention on the Hays County area, and supports several environmental, historic and health projects, including Seton Medical Center Hays. “I’ve always believed that if you are able to, supporting things in your own back yard is especially rewarding. When Seton Medical Center Hays came along, it just seemed a natural fit,” Bill says. Bill’s wife, Kate, shares his love for the area. They met through his Aunt Susan, who told him, “She has the most beautiful golf swing.” At the time, Kate was an avid golfer but also quickly became intrigued by the ranch. The couple married in 1981. Since then, Bill says, “Kate has become completely engrossed with Hays

County.” She currently serves as chair of the Hays County Historical Commission and is a member of the board of trustees of the Seton Hays Foundation.Together, they have become involved with a number of preservation projects. The Johnsons have provided funding for extensive renovations and landscape architecture for the Katherine Anne Porter House in Kyle, restoration of the Winters-Wimberley House in Wimberley, and support the Pound House in Dripping Springs. Next on their list: helping restore the Hays County Jail. Bill and Kate have two daughters. Lucy, a graduate of the Parsons School of Design in New York, won election to the Kyle City Council in 2008 and now serves as mayor. Katherine recently graduated with a degree in psychology from St. Edwards University in Austin. In addition to heading the Burdine Johnson Foundation, Bill serves on the board of the James Dick Foundation for the Performing Arts, the organization that supports the Round Top Music Institute and Festival. In his spare time, Bill is a big supporter of UT and enjoys his time on the ranch—hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities. He especially enjoys being by flowing water, which was a bit hard to come by until the recent rains. Bill also enjoys travelling, primarily across the U.S., although he has been to Central America, Europe and China. But for him, there’s no place like home. That is one of the reasons Bill has also turned his attention to nature-related endeavors, like supporting the Nature Conservancy’s Blanco River Project.

Wide Open Spaces...continued from cover

7

Yes! I want to support the construction and purchase of equipment for Seton Medical Center Hays with a gift of:

Organization (if applicable)

Email

Phone

Address

Name

$1,500 $1,000 $500 $250 $100 Other $____________

Please make checks payable to Seton Hays Foundation.

Credit Card:

Visa MC DiscoverAMEX

Card Number Exp

Name

Signature You may also give online at www.setonhaysfoundation.orgCut here.

Fast facts:• Opened October 1, 2009• Largest hospital in the area: 331,800 square feet• First floor: 222,725 square feet• Celebrated delivery of 100th baby on January 19• Served 10,000th patient through Emergency

Department on March 6• Opened 4th floor (additional 32 beds) in May• Only hospital in Hays County to have an all

board-certified medical staff, bringing a new level of medical expertise to the community

• Staff: more than 400• Recognized as the 2009 Large Business of the

Year by the Kyle Chamber of Commerce

Services/Amenities:• Full-Service Emergency Department • Cardiac Care Services including Open Heart

Program • Women’s Services including labor and delivery,

obstetrics/gynecology and Level II nursery • Critical Care Services

• Inpatient Medical Services including Oncology • Surgical Care including Orthopedics • Outpatient Therapies • Diagnostic and Interventional Services • Sleep Lab• Electronic medical records• Room service for inpatients• Free Wi-Fi internet access• Great Habits gift shop• Cafeteria• Smoke-free campus

Five months = 10,000 patients … and that’s just the beginning!

Fireworks display at grand opening; Bishop Gregory Aymond blesses SMCH; SMCH shines brightly as it prepares to welcome new patients.

Seton Medical Center Hays6001 Kyle ParkwayKyle, TX 78640

Address Service Requested

To view this newsletter online visit www.setonhaysfoundation.org.

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PAIDAustin, Texas

Permit No. 2525