Lasting Legacy of Skaggs Foundation: Strengthening Healthcare in Stone and Taney Counties
The Vision of Mr. and Mrs. Skaggs
In 1950, Mr. M.B. and Mrs. Estella Skaggs spearheaded the creation of the first regional hospital, Skaggs Community Hospital. The Skaggs family, known for their success in retail businesses like Safeway, took action after witnessing a young girl lose her life due to the lack of nearby medical facilities. Mr. Skaggs rallied local businesses and community members, successfully raising funds to build the hospital.
Establishing Skaggs Foundation
In 2002, Skaggs Foundation was established to provide tax benefits to donors and secure grants for hospital expansion and equipment. Raeanne Presley, serving as Chair of the Skaggs Hospital Board of Directors until 2008, collaborated with Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Tracey (Barton) Field, to create a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
The foundation quickly gained support, receiving a $1.5 million donation from Iva and the late Ken Awbery in 2003, followed by a $170,000 endowment from the Taney Economic Partners Corporation, TEPCOR for clinical scholarships. That same year, the first BASH fundraiser raised over $15,000 with more than 200 attendees.
Growth and Expansion
Throughout the early 2000s, community donations, corporate sponsorships, and events like the BASH gala and Skaggs Golf Classic supported hospital growth. A zero-percent USDA loan from White River Electric further facilitated expansion.
However, by the mid-2000s, financial challenges emerged for the community hospital, prompting President William Mahoney to propose a strategic partnership. After careful consideration, Skaggs Community Hospital joined CoxHealth on January 1, 2013, becoming Cox Medical Center Branson. CoxHealth committed over $10 million in capital improvements over the first five years of the agreement that included establishing a new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.
The Skaggs Legacy Endowment Fund
Following the purchase of the hospital by CoxHealth, the Skaggs Legacy Endowment was created to underwrite and support health and wellness in Stone and Taney Counties. Since 2013, Skaggs Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants, making a lasting impact on the well-being of the community.
Investing in Education and Community Well-Being
Since 2004, Skaggs Foundation has provided over $500,000 in healthcare scholarships. The TEPCOR endowment and a $1 million contribution from CoxHealth continue to support students and Cox Medical Center Branson employees in advancing healthcare education.
Beyond scholarships and grants, the foundation actively supports the community by:
- Providing approximately 3,000 cancer center patient meals annually.
- Funding the “Whatever It Takes” program to assist patients with sober living, prescriptions, and transportation.
- Supporting newly diagnosed patients with diabetic starter kits that otherwise couldn’t afford it.
- Strengthening community engagement and awareness through Lunch and Learn seminars on important health topics.
Commitment to a Healthier Future
From expanding patient transportation access to funding department improvements and providing emergency assistance, Skaggs Foundation remains dedicated to enhancing healthcare in Stone and Taney counties. Guided by its mission to support community initiatives that improve health and wellness, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact. With a legacy built on community support, Skaggs Foundation is committed to creating a healthier future for all.
