Everywhere you look in Reading Hospital, you can see where the Reading Hospital Foundation has left its mark – like fingerprints from a helping hand that has greatly improved the lives of so many.
From the putting green at Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing which helps patients practice their balance to a brand new, state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory, there are profound reminders of the Reading Hospital Foundation's daily meaningful work.
The Foundation, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, is a nonprofit organization that strives to support innovation, education, research, and the overall improvement of healthcare services.
Like other tax-exempt hospitals, Reading Hospital prioritizes patient care over financial gain. Our ability to provide our family, friends, and neighbors with the high-quality care they deserve and depend on often relies heavily on donations and fundraising efforts – such as those that Thornton and her team spearhead.
Led by devoted president and well-known community advocate, Katherine Thornton, the Foundation works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our hospital continues to grow as a hub of excellence. It provides support and services that are accessible, impactful, and compassionate. The Foundation is supported by a committed Board of Directors, led by Paula Barrett. Paula believes in Berks County, Reading Hospital, and the power of community.
As a member of the Foundation since its inception in 2015, Thornton has been actively involved in its operations. Her first project, a healing garden at Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing, is especially close to her heart. Every time she visits the campus, she enters by way of the side entrance through the lush healing garden.
To nurture our vital hospital programs and upgrade lifesaving medical equipment, she collaborates with various hospital departments to promote programs, secure donations, organize fundraising events, and cultivate relationships with generous donors. She has worked on countless initiatives that help us meet our patients exactly where they need us, including Street Medicine and the Mobile Mammography Coach. Recently, the Foundation raised over $80,000 for men's cancer programs during its annual No Shave November campaign.
These programs are vital to ensuring that our hospital is not only providing the highest levels of healthcare but also doing so in a way that is accessible to those who may not have reliable transportation or who are uninsured or underinsured. As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Berks County, this also means we have to find other ways to secure funds. This ensures we can continue to offer the best care to our community.
With the help of the Foundation, we have fostered community involvement. This has resulted in an outpouring of generosity that keeps our hospital flourishing. For example, in 2024, the Foundation raised $5.2M to support our services.
The Foundation has demonstrated that even one person can profoundly impact an entire community. Through their passion and unwavering commitment to healthcare, they have not only improved our patients' lives but inspired others to get involved and leave their mark on healthcare as well.
I am truly fortunate and deeply grateful to the Reading Hospital Foundation, the Reading Hospital Foundation Board, and everyone who has contributed to their mission, regardless of how large or small. Without this support, these programs would not thrive as they do today. As their fundraising efforts continue to grow to meet our patients' needs, the Foundation’s mission is more urgent than ever.
Together, We Can
No contribution is too small, and everyone can make a difference.
Berks County has a big heart. With your support, we can invest in the future of our families, neighbors, and ourselves. Every dollar raised helps fund medical equipment, scholarships, and lifesaving programs that benefit our entire community – because we are stronger when we work together.
If you are inspired to leave your mark on Reading Hospital's legacy, or contribute to the organization's impactful work.please visit the Reading Hospital Foundation or email rhfoundation@towerhealth.org.