SCHF Board
Sublette County Health
Foundation board in July
2023: Front Row (L to R)
Leslie Hagenstein, Mysty
McKune, Dave Bell, Louann
Heydt, Nancy Espenscheid,
Kari DeWitt. Back Row (L to
R) Joan Mitchell, Sid
Stanfill, Brian Gray,
Sharron Ziegler, Sharon
Rutsch, Lindsey Bond.
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Sublette County Health Foundation raises $5.6 million for new hospital and Sublette Center
May 23, 2025
PINEDALE, WY — The Sublette County Health Foundation (SCHF) first gathered around a table in February 2023 and set an ambitious goal: to raise $5 million for the new hospital and Sublette Center. No one knew if it was possible, but facing rising inflation, labor shortages, and supply chain issues the team knew the funds would be critical to the success of the project. The Foundation is proud to announce it has exceeded its goal, raising $5.6 million to fund critical projects that will transform healthcare in the community.
A Vision Realized
The funds raised have supported essential initiatives, including a state-of-the-art radiology package featuring an x-ray, CT scanner, and new service lines such as mammography and DEXA bone density scanning. Community-driven additions like fireplaces, outdoor living spaces for seniors, raised garden beds, and a playground for intergenerational engagement were also restored to the plans, creating a warm, inclusive environment for all.
"This success belongs to our incredible community," said Foundation Board Chair Sid Stanfill. "From major donors to lemonade stand contributions, every gift made a difference."
The Foundation board includes Sid Stanfill, Nancy Espenscheid, Louann Heydt, Tonia Hoffman, Sharon Rutsch, Sharron Ziegler, and Kerry Majhanovich. The late Joan Mitchell was part of the original board and a vocal supporter of the project. Dave Bell retired from the board in October 2024, but was instrumental in securing a good deal of funding. Most recently, Ashli Tatro filled his open board seat for the Foundation.
In addition to the Board, a Capital Campaign Committee was formed to provide more support. These included Leslie Hagenstein, Paul Ulrich, Brian Gray and Buck Buchenroth who hosts an annual "Boots and Scrubs" fundraiser at his restaurant Stockman’s.
Transformative Donations
Leading gifts set the tone for the campaign’s success. Joe Ricketts contributed $1 million, followed by Dan and Kim Huish with another $1 million. These two lead donations opened the floodgates, with 326 individual donors to date and counting.
The Helmsley Charitable Trust funded the radiology equipment with a $1 million grant. For over fifteen years, Helmsley has been dedicated to making sure that the vibrant, tightly-knit communities of rural America have access to the highest quality healthcare.
One project, the long-desired MRI machine, exemplified the community’s spirit. Individual donors raised nearly $1 million, with gifts ranging from $100,000 to lemonade stand earnings. "One family even put their cat’s name on the donor wall form," said SCHF Executive Director Kari DeWitt. "It reflects the wide reach and heart of this campaign."
When a $1 million gap remained, Dianna Archuleta stepped forward with a transformative donation to honor her late husband, George. "This service is highly needed in our area," she shared. "George gave so much during his lifetime, and this donation ensures his legacy continues to serve the community for decades to come."
In a particularly exciting development, the last piece of the campaign to be fully funded was the senior center garden beds, a project that captured the community’s heart. These raised beds will allow residents to enjoy gardening in the summer months and provide opportunities for relaxation and connection. "The excitement to have this project funded gives our seniors something to look forward to in the future," said Sublette Center Administrator Dawn Walker. "This beautiful and inviting outdoor space will promote well-being, connection, and enjoyment of nature—truly priceless gifts for our residents."
Looking Ahead
As SCHF celebrates this milestone, its focus now shifts to the next critical need: Assisting in the funding of a surgery suite. DeWitt notes "This vital project will allow us to meet growing community needs and ensure that our patients have access to routine surgical services such as colonoscopies, pain management, and various outpatient and emergency procedures close to home."
That goal is something the Hospital District is actively exploring, with the intent to drive for completion as soon as feasible. "Providing surgical services will not only increase the availability of care available in Sublette County, but will reinforce the organization’s financial sustainability for the long game," said Tonia Hoffman, Chairwoman of the Hospital Board.
Community members still have the opportunity to make history by donating to the future surgery suite. Visit www.sublettecountyhealthfoundation.org to learn more or make a contribution of any size.
About the Sublette County Health Foundation
The Sublette County Health Foundation is dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare in rural Wyoming. By funding vital services and infrastructure, SCHF ensures residents receive high quality care close to home.
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