BY KAREN BOSSICK
St. Luke’s Wood River is ending the year on a generous note, thanks to an unexpected $1 million transformational gift from Julia and George Argyros.
The couple presented the check in a gorgeous red package, which Chris Roth unwrapped. The money will be used to accelerate health programs and services in the Wood River Valley.
“George and Julia’s continued generosity and commitment to others is the true magic of Christmas,” said Roth, St. Luke’s Health System senior vice president and chief operating officer. “(The gift) will go a long way to improve health in the Wood River Valley.”
The Argyroses love affair with Sun Valley dates back 50 years, beginning with a 19-hour train ride from Los Angeles on the Snowball Special, sometimes also referred to as the Snowball Express. The train brought skiers 1,100 miles with dancing in a converted mail car flanked by bar cars on both sides.
“George and I care deeply about this community. It brings us joy to give back, especially during this season of giving,” said Julia Argyros.
Their partnership with St. Luke’s Wood River began with a major gift to the new hospital campaign when the current hospital was built to replace the old Moritz Hospital at Sun Valley. The couple later gave a leadership gift to establish the Emergency Services Endowment in the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. The endowment spurred the hospital’s ability to offer state-of-the-art emergency medicine.
The couple has given generously to other community causes, as well, including the Argyros Performing Arts Center, which bears their name.
Their latest gift will change lives, said Megan Tanous, chief development officer for St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation.
Hospital representatives are working with Julia Argyros to determine the highest and best use, likely addressing the top priorities in the community’s health needs assessment. Those include mental health and addressing the underserved needs and segments of the population, said Joy Prudek, a spokesperson for the hospital.
As a not-for-profit hospital, St. Luke’s Wood River reinvests its earnings into patient care. Philanthropy not only built the hospital but continues to make possible a level of health and care that far exceeds what is typically found in a small, rural community.
Philanthropy allows the hospital to strategically expand services, enhance care, advance technology and develop innovative health and wellness programs.
“The hospital and foundation are truly grateful to George and Julia for exemplifying the true spirit of generosity and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the health of our entire community,” said Carmen Jacobsen, St. Luke’s Wood River chief operating officer and chief nursing officer.
Want to know more about St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation? Visit www.slwrf.org or contact Megan Tanous at thomasme@slhs.org or 208-727-8444.