CONSISTENT EXCELLENCE

Two donors seated together in a modern office lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking trees

Fred and Kathleen “Taffy” Schea have long appreciated the value of having nationally recognized healthcare in the community. From their perspectives, Doylestown Health is essential in building a healthy community. We recently spoke with them about their inspiration to make a planned gift designated to the Second Century Fund that supports the hospital’s highest priorities.

How did you first come to know Doylestown Hospital?

Taffy: Doylestown Hospital has always had a wonderful reputation for patient care excellence. I am a nurse by training and worked at the hospital and for physicians affiliated with Doylestown Hospital. Our three sons were also born there. I appreciate that we can stay in our own community for most of the healthcare we will need in our lifetimes.

Fred: From my career in community banking, I knew colleagues who were closely affiliated with the hospital when I joined the Doylestown Hospital Board of Trustees in 1996. Since then, I’ve served two (non-consecutive) terms and just completed my term on the Doylestown Health Foundation Board. I was also a member of the Pine Run Advisory Board. I’m now serving as Chair of the Investment Advisory Committee, and I enjoy volunteering my professional experience to support our hospital’s growth.

What do you believe differentiates Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Health?

Fred: The leadership has always been committed to putting the needs of the patients and community first. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially as a hospital. Healthcare is really the only business where you don’t have control over your revenue; the health insurance companies set reimbursement rates.

I think it also has a lot to do with the influence of the VIA and the gender diversity that we’ve historically had on the boards. There is something important about how the VIA has always been aligned with and attuned to the community’s needs and then been at the forefront of addressing those needs.

Taffy: I have always been impressed by the top-notch doctors and how they support each other in taking care of patients. The hospital’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was amazing. Everything was mapped out so well—from testing to rolling out the vaccines so quickly.

Why is it important to you to give back to Doylestown Health?

Fred: As the CEO of a community bank (Fred retired as President and CEO of the First Savings Bank of Perkasie in 2016), I had the opportunity to get to know many organizations that make our community such a terrific place to live. Having a top-quality hospital like Doylestown Hospital is an important part of that.

Philanthropy drives innovation. The hospital has always been so innovative–building new programs and facilities. One example is the launch of robotic surgery. That was a big deal at the time, and I credit the board for taking that bold step forward and engaging the community to support it.

Why have you designated your planned gift to the Second Century Fund?

Fred: Organizations need the flexibility to use resources where they are needed most. Doylestown Health has always had good management, and we know they will use these funds to meet the needs of patients in the community. Our hope is that the hospital remains a place where medicine is performed with consistent excellence.

Creating a Lasting Legacy | The Cornerstone Society

Since the founding of Doylestown Hospital in 1923 by the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown, planned gifts have been instrumental in our success and growth.

Members of the Cornerstone Society have provided a legacy of care by naming Doylestown Health in their estate plans. Whether through a bequest, trust, life-income gift, or other form of planned giving, these generous individuals are ensuring healthcare excellence for generations to come.

To learn more about planned giving opportunities or to notify us that you have already included Doylestown Health in your estate plans, please contact Doylestown Health Foundation at 215.345.2009.

Article appears in the 2023 Philanthropy Report

To learn more about the One Vision Campaign and to make a gift to support expanding programs, please visit:
DoylestownHealthFoundation.org/Donate

About Doylestown Health Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of Penn Medicine Doylestown Health, the Doylestown Health Foundation raises funds to safeguard the future of excellence in patient care and to improve the quality of life for all members of our Central Bucks County community and beyond.