Benedictine Health Foundation at Avera Sacred Heart
Contact Benedictine Health Foundation at Avera Sacred Heart: 605-668-8310
Donate to the Benedictine Health Foundation
Support the Foundation
Whether it's a memorial perpetuating the spirit of a loved one or a gift in support of a specific program, your support of the Benedictine Health Foundation helps build stronger health care services for people of all ages in our region.
For further information please contact Kelly Kathol, Executive Director of the Benedictine Health Foundation.
At Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, "Proud To Be Here for You" is a slogan with many meanings. While remaining attentive to the highest quality patient care possible, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital is proud to be here - strengthening the quality of life enjoyed in our Yankton region.
Foundation Hits 25th Anniversary!
This is the start of the 25th year of The Benedictine Health Foundation. It all began when Bob Karolevitz gave the first dollar to begin the Foundation. The Foundation was started in honor of favorite physician Clark F. Johnson.
Foundation Supports Healthcare in our Community
This past year over $268,000 was donated back into our community through healthcare related projects such as:
- Adult Day Services
- Avera Sacred Heart Cancer Center
- Avera Sacred Heart Hospice
- Avera Yankton Care Center
- Defibrillators for local schools and businesses
- Dialysis
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- Eden Programs
- Haiti Mission trips
- Health related support groups
- Homemaker Program
- Majestic Bluffs Chapel and Care Center
- Scholarships
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Avera Atrium Opened In Honor of Former Yankton Physician, Family
Many folks will benefit from a new atrium located in the Avera Professional Office Pavilion and Education Center, thanks to a donation made through the Benedictine Health Foundation by the family of deceased Yankton physician Dr. Clark Johnson and his wife Elizabeth.
Kelly Kathol, executive director of the Benedictine Health Foundation, which was founded 25 years ago in honor of Dr. Johnson, said the atrium “is amazingly wonderful. We use this room a lot, and it’s such a special, fun place to gather. It’s modern, the lighting is good, it’s a very pretty environment. It’s very open, so we can have a lot of events here.”
“I really enjoy working with the family,” Kathol said. “They’re wonderful people.”
“Dr. Johnson was the epitome of the family doctor,” says Jim Means. “He was loved by his patients. He was a wonderful physician. He died way too young.”
Retired Yankton physician Dr. Mal Jameson said Dr. Johnson was very helpful to him when they worked together at the Yankton Clinic.
“Clark took me under his wing at the office and if I ever had a problem or a question, or even just wanted to sit around and take up his time, he was more than ready to give it to me,” he said. Jameson said the atrium is something in which both Clark and Elizabeth Johnson would have taken pride in. “He was a great man, she was a great lady, and I think this is a great tribute to their life,” he said.
The Dr. and Mrs. Clark Johnson Atrium will be utilized for education sessions, forums, exhibits and health fairs, as well as a gathering place for small groups.
