Healthcare

Liberty, Mo.

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While it may sound cliché to emphasize the importance of teamwork in fundraising, it cannot be overstated. The collective synergy of our team and Kinetic sparked creativity, innovation, confidence and, ultimately, great success. As Kinetic says, ‘It unleashed our power of philanthropy!’ … and the individuals and families we serve will be the beneficiaries.

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Michael Russell
Executive Director
Liberty Hospital Foundation

Liberty Hospital Foundation’s campaign to expand and improve its TreeHouse was completed in record time—15 months earlier than expected—even amid changes in leadership taking place at both the hospital and foundation. Proactive planning and collaboration allowed the campaign, Branching Out, to seamlessly build momentum toward its capital goal.

Liberty Hospital is one of the only comprehensive healthcare facilities serving the Kansas City metro up to the Iowa border. For many families, receiving medical attention at Liberty means driving hours to and from home—an exhausting, expensive and emotionally draining, but necessary task.

To help address this challenge, Liberty’s TreeHouse provides a temporary, home-away-from-home located just steps from the hospital. It is the only hospital-connected hospitality house available, currently, in the Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas region; rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, at no charge to patients, although many families make donations out of their gratitude for the exceptional care they receive.

Offered Liberty Hospital social worker, Carrie Diallo, “The TreeHouse is such a life-saver for our NICU families.” From James Magera, M.D., FACS Kansas City Urology Care, “I encouraged my father to have his surgery at Liberty, because the TreeHouse had amenities available that I did not have at home. Knowing he would be able to heal in a safe and comfortable place, with his rehabilitation appointments so close, was a no-brainer.”

“Liberty Hospital Foundation’s ribbon cutting ceremony is a celebration of their success, but also a recognition of why they undertook the campaign in the first place: to provide a place of serenity and peace for families facing difficult times,” said Kinetic consultant Tammy Butterfield. “Liberty Hospital Foundation Executive Director Michael Russell was practical, positive and professional. Quite a combination. He came in after the campaign was underway and, very quickly, not only was up-to-speed, he was leading the charge.”

According to Michael, “Particularly in light of leadership transitions, we invited key stakeholders to collaborate. This helped us streamline our objectives and refine our scope. With clear communications and transparent exchanges between the Kinetic team, our leadership, campaign cabinet and generous donors, we embarked on a strategic and integrated marketing plan that conveyed our vision in a concise and compelling manner as well as amplified our message and galvanized our support. Tammy was a cornerstone for our Branching Outcampaign, assuming roles as both a trusted sounding board and catalyst for opening doors to previously unrealized philanthropy. Her contribution and unparalleled expertise in navigating the intricacies of fundraising dynamics was invaluable.”

A memorable event occurred after the Foundation and Kinetic team had been diligent to focus on donor identification, cultivation and, ultimately, solicitation and appreciation. Much time and care had been taken to share the need and opportunity with a potential major donor who had shown interest, but remained reserved about a commitment.

Following a personal tour of the TreeHouse, where this individual was able to meet guests firsthand, the donor’s demeanor visibly shifted from passive interest to genuine engagement and enthusiasm. “Michael followed up the tour with a lunch meeting,” shared Tammy, “where the donor expressed a profound sense of connection to the cause.” Added Michael, “It was a transformative moment, for the campaign and for the donor who, clearly, had a new sense of purpose and fulfilment in aligning personal philanthropic values with our mission.”

At a signature event, where more than 400 guests gathered to celebrate the campaign’s success in exceeding its $2.65-million goal, it was apparent that finances, capital improvements to the TreeHouse and enhanced amenities for Liberty Hospital patients weren’t the only campaign outcomes. One of the most aspirational benefits was a sense of unity, enthusiasm and satisfaction among the campaign’s committed supporters. The shared joy was overwhelming.

The campaign garnered both a Mabee grant of $750,000 and a Sunderland Foundation grant of $495,000. Months of meticulous preparation and strategic planning in cooperation with Kinetic team went into crafting the grant applications. They represented huge financial boosts and also validated the project’s merit and impact.

Said Michael, “While it may sound cliché to emphasize the importance of teamwork in fundraising, it cannot be overstated. The collective synergy of our team and Kinetic sparked creativity, innovation, confidence and, ultimately, great success. As Kinetic says, ‘It unleashed our power of philanthropy!’ … and the individuals and families we serve will be the beneficiaries.”