KFCU establishes endowment to support cancer care in memory of Herbert Clark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2023
Contact:
Katie Mackin
kmackin@mrhme.org
(207) 723-7273
KFCU establishes endowment to support cancer care in memory of Herbert Clark
Katahdin Federal Credit Union (KFCU) and Legacy Medical Foundation (LMF) have partnered to honor the legacy of Herbie Clark, a longtime KFCU board member and Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) trustee.
Katahdin Federal Credit Union President, Tina Jamo, and Board Chair, Rod Daigle, recently presented a check to Legacy Medical Foundation to establish the foundation’s first endowment, the Herbert E. Clark Memorial Endowment Fund. Members of Mr. Clark’s family were in attendance as well as board members from the hospital, foundation and credit union.
The endowment, which will use the investment income generated by this and future donations made in Herbie’s memory, will provide ongoing support for MRH Cancer Care patients in perpetuity.
Legacy Medical Foundation President, Michael Crowley, MRH Chief Executive Officer, Bob Peterson, and MRH Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operations Officer, Mellissa McAvoy receive a check from Katahdin Federal Credit Union Board Chair, Rod Daigle to start the Herbert E. Clark Endowment Fund. Also pictured are Herbie’s widow, Ellen, and son, Joe.
“Herbie meant a lot to the hospital, the credit union and the community, and we’re honored to be able to do this in his memory,” said Tina Jamo, President of KFCU. “The hospital always held a special place in his heart—and now he is forever a part of it. “
Herbie’s widow, Ellen, thanked the credit union for honoring her husband’s memory and for the “awesome gift to Oncology”.
Herbie was remembered by Bob Peterson, CEO of Millinocket Regional Hospital, as a “trusted member of the MRH Board of Trustees” and “a steady voice of reason who was always looking for ways to better serve the community.”
Mellissa McAvoy, CFO of Millinocket Regional Hospital, recalled that Herbie was “the voice of the people” and a strong advocate for patients and employees alike.
Herbie spent much of his life proudly serving the community and its people. After his 40+ year career at Great Northern Paper Company, he served 12 terms in the Maine House of Representatives and was a member of the Millinocket Town Council. Herbie was involved in a multitude of local non-profits and was constantly finding new and different ways to make a difference in his community. He also provided the greatest service to his community and country as a veteran of Vietnam.
“I know my father would be very proud because it was his life dream to help his community and help the people who helped him throughout his entire life. This is just one part of him giving back to people who helped him through the years,” shared his son, Joe Clark. “With oncology being here at MRH, it helps a lot of people in our Katahdin area so they don’t have to travel to places outside of town that may be hardships for them. This money will go a long way to help them.”
Clark thanked the hospital, its employees, the credit union, the foundation and all involved with honoring his father before wrapping up with some sentiments that embodied Herbie’s legacy.
“It all starts with community and friends and family. If it wasn’t for them then we wouldn’t be here today,” said Clark.
Individuals and friends of Herbie who would like to honor his legacy by making a gift to the endowment can do so at any time.
Contributions can be sent to: Legacy Medical Foundation, 200 Somerset Street, Millinocket ME 04462. For additional information, you can visit the foundation office at White Birch Medical Center, 899 Central Street in Millinocket, call (207) 723-7419 or email our fund representative Michael Crowley at mcrowley@mrhme.org.
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work, and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning, individualized patient care, MRH provides acute inpatient and outpatient services as well as an impressive range of general and specialty services from orthopedic and general surgery to cancer care.
Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic driver within its community. For more information, visit mrhme.org or www.facebook.com/MillinocketRegionalHospital
About Legacy Medical Foundation
Legacy Medical Foundation was established in 2020 to continue the tradition of philanthropy at Millinocket Regional Hospital by supporting patient care, wellness, and the quality of life in our region. We are a 501(c)(3) organization with a tax identification number of 85-2352634.