More than a dozen local organizations received grants that improve the health and wellness of our community
(CANON CITY, COLO.) March 3, 2025 - The St. Thomas More Hospital Foundation hosted the Yankton Benedictine Sisters Fund 2025 Grant Awards Reception on Feb. 28 in the community room at St. Thomas More Hospital. The endowment funds are specifically designated to improve the health and wellness of our community.
This year, the foundation was able to provide the following 13 local organizations with about $70,000 (in total) in grants:
- Canon City High School Funfest
- Canon Literacy Center
- Family Crisis Center
- Florence RE-2 - Beaver Packs and Bear Hugs
- Florence High School Funfest
- Fremont County Search and Rescue
- Fremont Schools Imagination Library
- Heart of Colorado CASA
- Hope House
- Kindred Kids
- Meals on Wheels
- Orchard of Hope
- Senior Services Solutions
“These grants are very special to the hospital and the foundation because it keeps the almost 90 year legacy of the Yankton Benedictine Sisters alive. They dedicated their lives to caring for the sick and nurturing the health of the Canon City community,” said Mike Cafasso, President, St. Thomas More Hospital.
When the last sisters left the hospital in 2004, they left a substantial $1 million gift to the STM Foundation in honor of their noble work and to benefit the Fremont County community. It was their vision to continue serving our community long after they returned home to resume their service at Sacred Heart Monastery.
To learn more about the impact of the St. Thomas More Hospital Foundation, contact Linda Russell, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at linda.russell900@commonspirit.org, and Mary Baxter, financial stewardship coordinator, at mary.baxter900@commonspirit.org.
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Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
