The Kirby Foundation
Supporting Healthcare in Piatt County
The Kirby Foundation plays a vital role in sustaining Kirby Medical Center’s
dedication to excellence through its generous charitable gifts and strong
community ties.
Philanthropic support allows the Kirby Foundation to provide direct, impactful,
and meaningful support for community health resources, patient care, and
medical campus improvements. Whether through annual gifts to the Greatest
Need Fund, designated gifts in support of Education, Equipment, Community
Outreach, Wellness Trail, or any other contribution to the Foundation,
each gift allows Kirby Medical Center to make Piatt County and the surrounding
areas healthier places to live.
The Kirby Foundation and Piatt County Nursing Home Foundation Receive Significant
Estate Gift
The Kirby Foundation and the Piatt County Nursing Home Foundation announce
significant gifts from the Richard and Ann Skagenberg Estate.
“This gift is an incredible blessing to both foundations. We only
wish we could have known about it during their lifetime so we could have
shared our deep appreciation,” says Steve Tenhouse, Kirby Medical
Center chief executive officer.
The legacy of the Skagenbergs, former Monticello residents, will impact
the health of Piatt County communities for years to come.
“The magnitude of commitment and generous support by Dick and Ann
over their lifetime reflects their confidence in our physicians and staff.
We are humbled by their generosity,” says Tenhouse.
“We consider it the highest honor when citizens of the county recognize
and support our efforts in providing care to the elderly in our community
through volunteering with us or through donations to our Foundation. To
say we were astounded to receive such a gift, would be an understatement.”
says Scott Porter, Executive Director of the Piatt County Nursing Home.
Married for over 70 years, Dick and Ann operated a family farm for 35 years
in Milmine. After retiring in 1987, the couple moved to Monticello and
continued to manage the family farm. Both also gave generously of their
time, serving in volunteer leadership roles within community organizations
including the Bement Women’s Club, Piatt County 4-H, Piatt County
Planning Commission, and Bement Fire District.
Ann passed away on April 11, 2019 and Dick passed on August 10, 2019.
The leadership boards of both Foundations are discussing where the funding
is most needed within their respective organizations and how to appropriately
recognize their legacy of giving.
“Having known Dick and Ann all of my life, I am honored to be a member
of a Board that will make decisions on how best to use this generous gift
for the enhancement of the lives of residents at the Piatt County Nursing
Home in the years to come,” says Ken Wright, Board President of
the Piatt County Nursing Home Foundation.
The Skagenbergs supported The Kirby Foundation for over twenty years and
were recognized in 2011 for their substantial contribution to the Replacement
Hospital Campaign. “Dick and Ann believed in investing in the next
generation. They will always be remembered for their generous spirit and
this impactful gift to our community” says Tenhouse.
Learn more about the Kirby Foundation from the links below:
To contact the Kirby foundation, call (217) 762-1509 or
email sross@kirbyhealth.org.