Mason Health Foundation Celebrates 35 Years!

15 first FF
Fantasy Forest 1995

In June 1987, the Public Hospital District Board took the initial steps to set up a Foundation to fundraise for the hospital, medical equipment, and District approved programs and services.

The Foundation was established in 1991 as Peninsula Health Care Foundation, later changing its name to Mason General Hospital Foundation by the end of 1994. In 2024, the Foundation once again changed its name to reflect the full scope of its fundraising efforts: Mason Health Foundation.

Over the years, the Foundation has supported the purchase of more than $13 million of medical equipment and programming for Mason Health. The Foundation also oversees the Charity Care Voucher programs, providing patients of the greatest need with resources and supplies, and oversees the work of its chapters.

Mason Health Foundation has supported a Dinner Auction fundraiser since December 1995, when the first Fantasy Forest live auction was held at Mason General Hospital, with a gourmet meal catered by former MGH Chef John Cruse.

Fantasy Forest weathered many changes over the years and grew to include events like the Candy Cane Carnival, Father-Daughter Dance, A Toast to the Community, Fashion Show Luncheon, Teddy Bear Tea, Barrels & Brews, Business Luncheon & Confections Auction and Gala & Live Auction.

As the Foundation has evolved to meet changing fundraising landscapes, the organization continues to welcome donors to a Business Luncheon & Confections Auction in February and an Enchanted Evening Dinner Auction in November.

Screenshot 2026 09 29 095513
DSC 0021
Fantasy Forest 2014
DSC 0144

Mason Health CEO Eric Moll and his daughters at a Foundation fundraiser in 2014.

DSC 0227

Former Development Assistant Meghan Lucas and Chief Development & Communication Officer Jennifer Capps in 2014.

Foundation Chapters

Over the years, Mason Health Foundation has overseen the work of various chapters. These chapters utilize the Foundation’s nonprofit status to complete their missions, which must align with Mason Health Foundation’s overall mission to financially support Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County.

Existing Chapters:

Centennial Guild (est. 1994): With the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Goldsborough Creek Run and a Golf Tournament, the Guild raises funds for medical scholarships for high school students and Mason County residents.

Arts Commission (est. 1993): The commission coordinates the purchase and display of artwork around Mason Health.

Former chapters include the Women’s Auxiliary (est. 1950), Sherwood Guild, Future Generations Guild and Karen Hilburn Breast and Cervical Cancer Fund (est. 2002), which established its own nonprofit status in 2020.

Fun Run Photo w Margo Otto Diane Satak Juli Tuson Jackie Rhodes
2010 Centennial Guild Fun Run with volunteers Margo Otto, Diane Satak, Juli Tuson and Jackie Rhodes
MHW 2023 Auxiliary Collage
In July 1968, the new Mason County Public Hospital Commission invited the Shelton General Hospital Women’s Auxiliary to become the official women’s auxiliary of Mason General Hospital. The women’s auxiliary fundraised for many items and also managed what was then known as the Gift Bar. The Gift Bar was up and running on the first day Mason General Hospital opened its doors on Oct. 1, 1968, under the direction of Jeanne Huston. The first volunteers that day were Alta James and Mary Ann Shaw. In the early years, the Auxilary donated $200 per year toward scholarships for high school seniors, college students and Mason General Hospital employees.
Cooking with Xinh 2009
Xinh Dwelley, Cooking with Xinh fundraiser for Sherwood Guild (2009)