MISSION
Friends of the Heart Institute is committed to build community awareness, promote education and provide funding to support the very best heart and vascular care to Doylestown Health’s patients and their loved ones.
ABOUT FRIENDS
Friends of the Heart Institute is a nationally recognized, award-winning, all-volunteer community organization with more than 250 annual members. Over the last four decades, Friends has raised more than $3.7 million to support the top priorities of award-winning cardiovascular care at Doylestown Health, now embodied in the Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care.
Contributions to Friends foster investments in community education and outreach, cutting-edge technology and equipment, and exceptional facilities. Friends relies on community support to help ensure that patients of Doylestown Health receive the very best cardiovascular care available, in a hospital close to home.
Friends was launched in 1978 by Herman Silverman as the $100 Heart Club. Silverman, along with Dr. Bruce Applestein, Elmer Cates, Frank Galinski, John Knoell, and Dr. Joseph F. X. McGarvey, Sr., worked to raise funds for a much-needed heart program at Doylestown Hospital.
In the 43 years since its inception, Friends has:
- Raised $3.7 million to advance heart and vascular care excellence at Doylestown Health
- Raised over $2 million in support of the new Cardiovascular and Critical Care Pavilion
- Funded nationally recognized exercise program Walk With A Doc for the community
- Purchased cutting-edge technology and exercise equipment for cardiac rehab in Doylestown
- Written and sent educational letters to cardiovascular patients for the last 15 years
Today, through the tireless commitment of its members and the ongoing support of the community, Friends continues to work toward greater goals for the cardiovascular program.
FHI Steering Committee
- Krista Harper, Esq., Chair
- Carol Counihan
- Kevin Lax, MD
- Bill Loftus
- Terri Long, RN
- Paul Maroney
- Dave Martens
- Marcy Mikalaitis
- John Mitchell
- Steve Novello
- Ephe Olliver
- Garrett Owen
- Atul Rao, MD
- Renee A. Sangrigoli, MD
- J. Doyle Walton, MD
- MaryAnn Williamson, MD
- Marilyn D. Matchette-Winfield
- Laura K. Wortman
National Recognition
In 2017, the American Hospital Association selected Friends of the Heart Institute as the winner of its Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence (HAVE) in Fundraising. The HAVE Awards are designed to:
• Highlight volunteer services that are engaged in improving health care.
• Encourage service that exceeds expectations as a result of innovation, creativity and leadership.
• Promote visibility and goodwill toward the hospital or health care system.
• Promote collaboration among provider organizations and community service entities to improve the quality of life of local citizens.
FHI Members & Supporters
We are thankful for our lifetime members and supporters.
FRIENDS CAMPAIGN COMMITMENT COMPLETE
In 2017, Friends of the Heart Institute pledged to raise $1 million in contributions to support ONE VISION: The Campaign for Doylestown Health and the development of the Cardiovascular and Critical Care Pavilion. In 2020, members voted to double that pledge to $2 million. All membership contributions, donations, and event proceeds through 2021 were directed to this exciting and transformational initiative.
Thanks to the generosity of the community and membership, Friends has surpassed its $2 million goal. Its early support was instrumental in funding the seed grant that kickstarted the exploratory research, design, and construction of the now-open Cardiovascular and Critical Care Pavilion at Doylestown Hospital.
As we approach Doylestown Health’s centennial in 2023, philanthropic support is still needed to continue to advance and grow our cardiovascular program.
FRIENDS OF THE HEART DONOR STORIES
JOYCE AND BOB BYERS, SR.
JOYCE AND BOB BYERS, SR.
For Joyce and Bob Byers, Sr., the joy of giving launched successful careers and a thriving family business that allows them to make a difference year-round.
CAROL COUNIHAN
CAROL COUNIHAN
When Carol Counihan began having heart trouble three years ago, she knew exactly where to turn for help.
BOB ERVIN
BOB ERVIN
After undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) at Doylestown Health, Bob Ervin recognized the people and the organization who cared for him so well.
STEPHEN HIRT
STEPHEN HIRT
Stephen Hirt spent his career raising funds for charitable, non-profit organizations. Today, as a grateful patient, volunteer, and leader, he is the one proudly giving back.
JOHN AND JEANNE HUBBARD
JOHN AND JEANNE HUBBARD
Jeanne and John Hubbard are the embodiment of a quintessential partnership. Doylestown Health Foundation spoke with them about their ongoing involvement and philanthropic support.
JEAN AND NORM LEISTER
JEAN AND NORM LEISTER
Sharing their time with others has kept Norm and Jean Leister active. As residents of Pine Run Retirement Community, their generosity takes shape with a philanthropic gift through the One Vision campaign.
BILL AND MARY LEE LIESER
BILL AND MARY LEE LIESER
Driven by their gratitude for exceptional care, Bill and Mary Lee Lieser's decision to include Doylestown Health in their estate plans will benefit patients well into the future.
JACK AND CAROL MCCAUGHAN
JACK AND CAROL MCCAUGHAN
As Jack and Carol developed plans for retirement, they chose to create a Charitable Remainder Trust as a way to create income, save taxes, and give back to Doylestown Health.
STEVE NOVELLO
STEVE NOVELLO
In the game of golf, a “mulligan” is the equivalent of a do-over. As a golfer, Steve Novello appreciates just how much this term applies to his own life.
EPHE OLLIVER
EPHE OLLIVER
Ephe Olliver was experiencing leg pain with exercise caused by poor circulation to the muscles and tissues of his legs, a condition known as claudication.
HERMAN SILVERMAN
HERMAN SILVERMAN
Herman Silverman invited three friends and business associates to lunch to discuss an important need at the newly built Doylestown Hospital. It was 1978, and Silverman had recently experienced chest pain.
MARV AND DEE ANN WOODALL
MARV AND DEE ANN WOODALL
For over 30 years, Marv and Dee Ann Woodall have applied their experiences to advancing life-saving technologies and life-changing opportunities at Doylestown Health.
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