MADERA — The Guilds of Valley Children’s have announced a historic commitment to two new endowments totaling $12 million. The endowments aim to expand critical pediatric care services and strengthen community health initiatives. This pledge comes as the Guilds celebrate exceeding $5 million for the Guilds Center for Community Health Endowment.
Significant Investments in Pediatric Health
Valley Children’s Mascot, George the Giraffe.
Notably, the Guild Center for Community Health is a vital link between the exceptional care provided at Valley Children’s Hospital and the broader health impacts experienced by children in their communities. To further enhance these services, the Guilds have committed to:
- A $10 million Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Endowment – expand life-saving heart and lung bypass support for critically ill children.
- A $2 million Guilds Endowment – provided targeted support to various hospital units through a grant application process, benefiting patients, families, and staff.
Expanding Access to Advanced Life Support
Notably, Dr. Harry Kallas, a medical director of Valley Children’s Extracorporeal Life Support Program, emphasized the significance of the new ECMO endowment:
“This most generous gift of support ensures that we will be able to continue offering the highest quality of advanced life support to the most critically ill infants and children in our extended community. I’m grateful that the Guilds have honored our program with this incredible investment.”
Over the years, the Guilds have built a long-standing history of supporting Valley Children’s Hospital. In total, they have over $35 million for essential projects. These projects include surgical and cardiology equipment, a state-of-the-art heliport, and multiple endowments. With these commitments, the Guilds have reached their largest financial pledge.
Strengthening a Legacy of Care
Additionally, Lynne Ashbeck emphasized the importance of the Guilds’ continued dedication:
Valley Children’s senior vice president and chief community impact officer, Lynne Ashbeck. (Credit: Valley Children’s Website)
“We are forever grateful to the Guilds for taking on the challenge and responsibility to support the Guilds Center, a cause that is rooted squarely in our mission to continuously improve the health and well-being of kids.”
Ashbeck continues, “The next big challenge—and our promise—is to exceed the expectations entrusted to us and to do even more toward improving the lives of our kids in their communities through programs, partnerships, collaborations, and more.”
Furthermore, Marla McClaskey, chair of the Valley Children’s Guilds Coordinating Council, expressed pride in the Guilds’ legacy.
“We are excited to support the ECMO team as they care for our most critically ill children in need of heart and lung support with a $10 million endowment, along with a $2 million endowment supporting Valley Children’s different service units with a grant application process,” McClaskey said.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, funds raised by the Guilds through the end of 2024 will continue supporting the Guilds Center for Community Health Endowment. Starting January 1st, 2025, fundraising efforts will shift to focus on the two new endowments. Moreover, this will further ensure the availability of pediatric care for the region’s children.
For more information about the Guilds and their mission, visit here.
