NAPLES — The host asked Neighborhood Health Clinic co-founder Nancy Lascheid to read out loud the amount of the check he presented to the not-for-profit at a cocktail party over the weekend.
"Initially I couldn't, to tell you the truth," Lascheid said Monday, recounting the surprise announcement from Saturday night.
It was for $10 million.
The donation, the largest in the 14-year history of the Naples health clinic for the uninsured working poor, will assure its mission will continue in perpetuity, Lascheid said Monday. The clinic didn't release the names of the Naples couple who made the gift.
The gift brings the clinic's William P. Lascheid M.D. Endowment Fund, named for Lascheid's husband and clinic co-founder, to some $12 million, from which up to 5 percent can be withdrawn annually.
Clinic managers don't intend to spend the money for operating expenses, though, relying on private, corporate, foundation, United Way support and its annual Block Party fundraiser to meet daily expenses from paying the electric bill to buying medicine.
Instead, the endowment will be used to pay for unexpected needs, such as a new roof, as they arise, Lascheid said.
"This is a safety net," she said. "We are not going to ride off into the sunset and not need any more funding."
The clinic doesn't receive any federal, state or local government financial aid, and 92 percent of every dollar goes to serving patients. Medical professionals and others volunteer their help at the clinic.
Lascheid said the clinic's $10 million benefactors, who are in the medical manufacturing business, have a hands-on appreciation for the clinic's work and have been backers of the clinic since before it opened its doors in 1999.
The announcement was made to a roomful of clinic supporters and workers, who erupted in applause and tearful hugs, Lascheid said.
"Everybody in that room could put a face on who we were talking about (helping)," she said. "They could see them in their heart."
The gift comes as health-care providers, including the clinic, prepare to fill in gaps they see in implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act, known as Obamacare.
Lascheid said some 29 million Americans still will be unable to buy health insurance under the law and there are questions about how businesses and health-care providers will respond. The demand for health care will only increase, she said.
"It's going to be a very difficult time ahead," Lascheid said.
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Comments » 16
sally1860 writes:
Wonderful news for the clinic. Many thanks to the donor(s).
wonderwoman (Inactive) writes:
Wow, how great is that? What a way to start the New Year!
tampanaples writes:
What a Great gift and a Great couple.
Patton writes:
That's wonderful.
freedomsailor writes:
Fantastic news! And God bless the wonderful people who gave the money.
Patton writes:
Some malcontent always has to wise off and ruin a positive article.
savethewhalz writes:
$10M is a very generous gift to the well deserved Neighborhood Health Clinic. None of my business. But hope the Clinic uses the funds to give more access to healthcare for those who can't afford it, as opposed to saving it for a new roof or other maintenance issues.
savethewhalz writes:
No, I haven't though am sure it is an interesting story. If you can relate it to sequestering ten million dollars of charitable contribution for a possible roof repair in the future on a small building, I'm all ears. Don't get me wrong, the Neighborhood Health Clinic is a great place and serves the community well.
Ssp1 writes:
Can they give some to Dr Tober so he will finally retire from being the county medical director
clearview writes:
You're a disgrace.
Leave the room. You're not wanted, needed or appreciated.
clearview writes:
To all at who work and support the clinic, Congratulations!
HAP writes:
Very nice gift. I only hope the money goes to those that are legal US citizens.
WizeOlMarco writes:
HAP writes:
Very nice gift. I only hope the money goes to those that are legal US citizens.
Humanity stops at the border?
OP writes:
How did ccwoody58 "wise off", or "ruin a positive article"?
You and he both agree that the donation was a positive thing. ccwoody58 is merely pointing out two important facts: 1)that such gifts are about to become rarer because the tax benefits of making such donations are to be eliminated. and 2) that money designated for such a project is more efficiently used directly by private concerns than it is when government bureaucracy gets involved and takes their portion away from the monies' intended purposes. So, you both applaud the donation and he also applauds the timing and direct usage. You should join him in that; and you should be discontented when government regulations make such gifts less likely, that day is coming soon, you should stand against that inefficient change.
OP writes:
Well, that is a confused response for he is talking about spending within our borders; he simply seeks to see our country return to the days when rule of law was encouraged. As to our humanity across borders, though this country gets little credit for it from its domestic enemies or from its foreign critics/enemies, we give more for humanity across our borders than any nation in history. When is enough enough? When did it become essential to humane behavior for the benefactor to relinquish control of when they give?
brighteyes writes:
For all who don't know about this clinic, please stop commenting. This clinic is for the "working" poor. Many of our Naples doctors, some of whom have already retired from private practice, volunteer their time at the clinic. What a great gift. I am sure the donors knew what they were doing when they made the gift and had researched what the Naples Health Clinic is all about.
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