William Newton Healthcare Foundation Raises Nearly $87k
Oct 27, 2026
Dr. Alvin Bird Named Healthcare Hero
The William Newton Healthcare Foundation hosted its 19th annual fundraising gala on Saturday, October 10, presented by Union State Bank and held at Baden Square in Winfield.
Nearly $87,000 was raised to benefit William Newton Hospital, with all proceeds directly supporting Phase 2 of the Second Century Campaign for the upcoming emergency department expansion. Over 160 guests attended the "Garden Gala: Grow with Us" themed evening, which featured entertainment, a four-course meal by Grouse Valley Catering, and silent and live auctions.
"This year's gala was a wonderful celebration of our community's shared commitment to healthcare," said William Newton Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Annika Morris. "We are especially grateful to Union State Bank as our presenting sponsor, and to all of our donors and attendees who made the evening a success."
Baden Square was transformed into a whimsical indoor garden, featuring designs by Gottlob Lawn and Landscape Nursery and Garden Center and artwork on display from the Winfield USD 465 Foundation collection. The Edge Performing Arts Centre gave a performance of 'Waltz of the Flowers.' A 'Bubbles & Bling' raffle was held, sponsored by Barrel & Bottle, Bing Brothers Liquor, and Schmidt Jewelers, Inc. Guests had a chance to win a beautiful, handcrafted diamond pendant in a branch design.
“Philanthropic support for our hospital continues to grow. At the gala, we were excited to share with guests that the hospital has put the emergency department expansion project out to bid, and the groundbreaking date will be announced soon,” expressed Morris.
“This shows our donors who have been investing in this project since 2019 that we really are growing, and this ER project is happening, so that we can meet the needs of those we serve.”
Bird Honored for Extraordinary Service
Longtime physician and community advocate Alvin D. Bird, DO, was named the 2026 Union State Bank Healthcare Hero. Honored for more than four decades of dedicated service to south-central Kansas, Dr. Bird has provided comprehensive general medicine, pediatric and senior care, occupational medicine, and minor surgical care across the region's rural health clinics.
Introducing the honoree, Union State Bank Winfield Market President Cory Helmer shared highlights of Dr. Bird's remarkable life and career. Before beginning his medical practice on July 6, 1982, Dr. Bird graduated from Kansas State University and served in the United States Air Force as a navigator and radar navigator on a B-52 crew. During the Vietnam War, he flew 161 combat sorties, earning an honorable discharge as a Captain along with decorations including the National Defense Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters.
Following his military service, Dr. Bird completed pre-medical studies at the University of Missouri, earned his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Oklahoma State University, and finished his internship at Tulsa Regional Medical Center before bringing his medical career home to Kansas.
Beyond his clinical accomplishments, colleagues highlighted Dr. Bird’s deep compassion, positivity, and generosity. Staff members from his time at the Kansas Veterans’ Home and Hillside Clinic described him as a mentor and leader who leads with brilliance and kindness, always makes himself available to patients and staff at all hours, and unfailingly sees the good in everyone.
"Dr. Bird exemplifies what it means to care for a community," Helmer remarked during the presentation, celebrating a lifetime of service dedicated to patients, colleagues, country, and community.
To learn more about the William Newton Healthcare Foundation or contribute, visit www.wnhfoundation.org or call 620-222-6276.
Posted in Foundation , In The News on Oct 27, 2026