William Newton Healthcare Foundation Raises Over $58k
Oct 27, 2025
$500k Renewed Match Announced; McSpadden Honored as Healthcare Hero
William Newton Healthcare Foundation hosted its 18th annual fundraising gala on September 27, presented by Union State Bank and held at Baden Square in Winfield.
Just over $58,000 was raised, benefiting William Newton Hospital. Additionally, an anonymous donor renewed a $500,000 dollar-for-dollar match for campaign gifts made through December 20. All of these funds benefit Phase Two of the Second Century Campaign for the upcoming emergency department expansion.
“This year's gala was another success, and the highest-grossing event in the past three years,” said William Newton Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Annika Morris. “We are grateful for our donors and attendees who made it possible.”
The WWII/1940s-themed gala, dubbed 'Flight for the Future,' included live music by The Student Loans and silent and live auctions. Over 140 guests were treated to a four-course meal catered by Grouse Valley Catering and Creekstone Farms. A performance of 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' was delivered by Sarah Miller, Annika Morris, Jennifer Melcher, and bugle boy Dr. K. Daniel Miller.
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 yellow gold diamond sunflower pendant on an 18" chain, valued at $1,975.
“We had fun with the aviation theme and are closer to 'landing' the ED project,” expressed Morris. “We look forward to closing the fundraising gap so we can break ground on the much-needed expansion sooner than later.”
McSpadden Honored for Extraordinary Service
Longtime Foundation supporter and former WNH Trustee Steve McSpadden was named the 2025 Union State Bank Healthcare Hero. McSpadden was honored for his decades of dedication to improving healthcare access and quality for south-central Kansas residents.
Union State Bank Winfield and Udall Market President Cory Helmer introduced McSpadden, noting he is "one of the most dedicated advocates of rural healthcare in William Newton Hospital’s history." Last year’s Healthcare Hero recipient, Dick Vaught, described him as one who has "epitomized the quality of people we’ve had on our board.”
McSpadden was appointed in 2002 to fill an unexpired term and was reappointed an additional five times. He served as Board Chair for three two-year terms since 2005. His tenure continued a legacy started by his father, G.D. McSpadden, who served 25 years as a WNH trustee.
Demonstrating his commitment to securing the hospital's future, McSpadden co-chaired the Phase 1 Second Century Campaign for the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center with Paula Radcliff.
"I would not have done it for so many years if I didn’t enjoy it," said McSpadden. He also stated that while he has served on numerous boards, service as a WNH trustee is “unequivocally the one that means the most to me”.
Both Steve and his wife, Marilyn, were early supporters of the William Newton Healthcare Foundation and helped establish the non-profit in 2007. He also served on the WNHF board of directors for three years.
Helmer noted that McSpadden's impact "will resonate for many years to come" and thanked him for providing "an inspiring example of service.”
Learn more about the William Newton Healthcare Foundation or contribute to the year-end matching opportunity
Steve McSpadden
Posted in Foundation , In The News on Oct 27, 2025