MFH Acknowledges a Quarter-Century of Impact

When commemorating 25 years of helping Missourians live their healthiest lives, it’s natural to reflect on the people and partners who made the journey possible.  

On June 11, the Foundation held an intimate ceremony that encapsulated our approach to celebrating this milestone: looking back as a grounding for forging ahead.

An energetic and lively drum performance by the Abeni’s Dance Ensemble welcomed the invitees. Vetta Sanders Thompson, former MFH board member and E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity at WashU, emceed the event with warmth.

During the celebration, guests got a real glimpse into the past, present, and future of MFH and the work that has held us together for 25 years, with the premiere of our anniversary video. It featured current and former staff, board members, and partners discussing their relationship and with the Foundation.

All three MFH CEOs were featured in the program. Dr. Dwayne Proctor delivered a welcome address, followed by a video appearance from Dr. James Kimmey, who expressed being both challenged and excited at the start of his tenure at the Foundation.

Dr. Kimmey noted one critical decision was made early: not to duplicate any existing national foundations. “We would be our own organization, and we’d do things our way, the Missouri way,” he said.

Dr. Bob Hughes, the Foundation’s second president, praised Kimmey’s work. “Being the founding CEO is so much harder than [it is for] anyone who comes after. He set the perpetual change machine that is the Foundation in motion.”

Joel Ferber, a former member of the Foundation’s Community Advisory Council, spoke in his role as Director of Advocacy of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the first MFH grantee and an active participant in the lawsuit that resulted in the creation of the Foundation. In his remarks, Ferber emphasized that advocacy is “part of the Foundation’s DNA.”
 
Then the program pivoted to the promise of the future, as we celebrated the first awardees of our Spark Prize. Kathleen Holmes, Vice President of Transformation and Integration, shared brief remarks about MFH’s strategic redesign. We’ll share more about MFH’s future direction in our spring edition.

Our 25th anniversary coincides with a year marked by great uncertainty. Those gathered to fellowship and reflect on the past two decades were reminded that we can achieve health equity if we all work together and not lose sight of the shared values that bind us.

“Leading the Foundation, building on the legacy of my fellow CEOs with our talented staff, board, and leadership is exciting work,” said Proctor. “We are committed to fostering health equity and helping Missourians thrive, regardless of who they are or their background or where they live. I’m looking forward to working with community partners and centering their wisdom for the next 25 years.”

MFH 25th Anniversary logo

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