About Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation
Our Mission
At Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation, our mission is to amplify the impact of Watsonville Community Hospital through inclusive community philanthropy, innovation, partnerships, and connectivity to create sustainable access to health care in the Pajaro Valley region.
Our Values
Building
Trust
Cultivating transparency and respect in all interactions.
Expressing Gratitude
Acknowledging and appreciating the generosity of donors, volunteers, physician, and staff.
Community Engagement
Fostering collaborative partnerships and celebrating diverse cultures.
Forward
Thinking
Embracing innovation to advocate and explore new opportunities to serve the community.
Healthcare is a Fundamental Right
Why We Exist
Healthcare is a fundamental right, and we believe that everyone deserves access to the best possible care. The Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation was established to safeguard the future of Watsonville Community Hospital, ensuring it remains a community-owned and operated institution that can respond to the needs of the residents of the Pajaro Valley.
Nourish
The first food pantry located inside a hospital in California continues to be a success. Nourish is a Partnership between Second Harvest Food Bank, Watsonville Community Hospital and WCH Foundation. Since its inception in November 2023, Nourish has provided our community with over 31,542 pounds of food and nourishment to 1,085 households, 4,368 individuals.
Grants
As part of our commitment to support the sustainability of Watsonville Community Hospital, we have engaged in various grants. Our fundraising efforts have yielded positive results and granted Watsonville Community Hospital funds for the purchase of medical equipment, enhance translation services for our patients, purchase of educational equipment hospital nursing staff. The foundation actively seeks partnerships with private, corporate, charitable foundations to support the growing needs of Watsonville Community Hospital.
Greatest Needs Fund
Gifts to support the Greatest Needs Fund will support programs and projects that directly impact patients and staff that otherwise may go unfilled. With a gift to the Greatest Needs Fund, you are supporting both our healthcare heroes and our patients in the most meaningful way.
Looking Ahead
Our work is far from over. We are committed to continuing our efforts to ensure Watsonville Community Hospital remains financially viable and capable of providing top-notch healthcare services for years to come. With your support, we can achieve this goal and keep our community healthy and strong.
Our Team & Board
Meet Our Dedicated Team and Board of Directors
Our team and board members are passionate about healthcare and dedicated to the mission of Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation. Their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment drive our success and ensure we can meet the healthcare needs of our community.
Board of Directors
President / Chair: Andrea Carlos Willy: Impact and Resource Development Officer, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Treasurer: Brent Dunton, Community Leader
Secretary: Janet Heien, Philanthropy Board Member, Former Director of Human Resources, Driscoll’s
Executive Director: June Ponce, Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation
Board Members
Matko Vranjes: Chief Operating Officer, Watsonville Community Hospital
Kristal Salcido: Deputy District Attorney, Councilmember, City of Watsonville District 4 Representative
Andrea Carlos Willy: Impact and Resource Development Officer, Pajaro Valley Unified School District
David Claypool, MD: Emergency Department Medical Director, Watsonville Community Hospital
Our board members bring a wealth of experience from various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and philanthropy. Their leadership and vision are instrumental in guiding our efforts to support Watsonville Community Hospital and its mission.