Community Corner
Kahlert Foundation Gift Supports GBMC's Spiritual Support Services
The $1 million gift will help add staff to spiritual support department.
GBMC HealthCare Inc. recently announced a $1 million gift made on behalf of the Kahlert Foundation, in honor of Foundation President Greg Kahlert’s mother, Yvonne.
The Yvonne Kahlert Endowment will aid GBMC’s Spiritual Support Services Department, provide monetary assistance to add a second chaplain to the staff and also commemorate GBMC’s 50th anniversary.
“While Mom was a patient at GBMC, my wife Roberta and I visited the chapel to pray and seek spiritual comfort,” says Kahlert, President of the Kahlert Foundation. “This gift will enable more patients and family members to benefit from the spiritual services provided by Joe Hart and a second chaplain.”
Chaplain Hart has been the director of GBMC’s Spiritual Support Services Department for more than 20 years. With the help of his team, Chaplain Hart provides spiritual support and emotional reassurance to patients, family members and staff.
“In some areas of the country where spiritual support in hospitals is being reduced or even eliminated, it is reassuring to know of GBMC’s ongoing commitment to the whole-life care of patients,” says Chaplain Hart. “Through the generosity of the Kahlert Endowment, the addition of a chaplain will support GBMC’s patients physically, mentally and spiritually.”
The newly named, non-denominational Yvonne Kahlert Chapel at GBMC’s main campus is a place of welcoming for all faith traditions. It is utilized on a regular basis by patients, families and staff seeking spiritual solace, serving as a safe place for those in need during health and life transitions. The chapel also commemorates the legacy of Yvonne Kahlert, a woman whose steadfast commitment to her family, faith and community will not be forgotten.
“We are grateful for the Kahlert Foundation’s generosity and honored to keep Mrs. Kahlert’s memory alive through our beautiful chapel. Her comforting spirit will continue to help thousands of patients and families for years to come,” said Dr. John Chessare, President & CEO of GBMC HealthCare.
Previous gifting by the Kahlert Foundation to GBMC HealthCare established an endowed chair of urological research. The William E. Kahlert GBMC Chair in Urological Research, named for the late Mr. Kahlert, is currently held by Ronald F. Tutrone, M.D., GBMC’s Division Head of Urology.
