About Us
The CoxHealth Foundation mission is to raise, manage and disperse the necessary funds in support of the mission of CoxHealth in the communities where Cox has a presence. In a sense, the Foundation serves as the donors’ hands, reaching out to patients, researchers, health professionals, physicians and the community, to provide resources that would not otherwise be available. Funds generally come from grateful patients and their families, community members and groups, as well as businesses and foundations who appreciate the value of a strong health care system.
At CoxHealth, our rich history of philanthropy is the key to our progress and success. Unlike for-profit corporations that pay dividends to shareholders, our earnings go back into the system to support our mission. Through us the community is the ultimate shareholder. CoxHealth prides itself in being an excellent steward of the resources entrusted to us. Likewise, the ultimate beneficiaries of these resources are those who have a stake in CoxHealth’s future – our patients and their families.
Our History
The CoxHealth Foundation was established in 1998 to carry on the tradition of philanthropy, begun in 1906, by generating current and endowed support for CoxHealth and Cox College. Gifts made to CoxHealth Foundation in support of patient care, education, facilities, equipment and community outreach are the cornerstones of our success and the keys to our future. Thanks to our donors, we are privileged to provide an accessible, comprehensive range of integrated health care services that are responsive to the needs of our community.
Due to the generosity of Mrs. Ellen A. Burge, Burge Deaconess Hospital opened its doors to the sick and infirm in 1906. That was the year the woman who eventually deeded her home to the hospital board became our first Philanthropist for Life.
The 30-bed, three-story hospital would receive a boost during the heart of the Great Depression when Dr. & Mrs. John Howard Nixon donated an additional 40 beds. But near the end of 1948 despair had spread and the hospital floundered. The decision to shut down appeared imminent. That’s when Lester E. Cox made a personal donation and, together with 34 physicians, raised enough money to repair, replenish and restore the hospital’s resources to give it a second chance. In 1969, Burge would be renamed for the philanthropist who helped provide Springfield and the Ozarks with the quality health care we have come to know today as CoxHealth.
These generous people and many others over the years have answered the call. Today, that legacy continues as we prepare to meet the health care needs of our community for this generation and those to follow.
CoxHealth Foundation Board of Directors
Robert Carolla, MD
Mr. William Darr
Mr. Neil Wortley
Mrs. Cindy Waites
Russell Detten, DO
Mr. Bill Foster
Mr. Larry Lipscomb
Mr. Gil Trout
Mr. Andy Dalton
Mr. Ken Meyer
Mr. Chris Nattinger
Mr. Joseph Turner
Mr. John Martin
Dr. Jose Dominguez
Mrs. Mary Beth Daniels
