Trinity Foundation is pleased to announce a $2 million gift to Trinity Cancer Center from Tom Schmoker. Tom made the donation in honor of his late wife, Norma. In recognition of his gift, Trinity Regional Medical Center will rename its Cancer Center to the Norma Schmoker Cancer Center.
"Norma was my inspiration for this gift. She was always very passionate about keeping services local. She served on the Trinity Regional Medical Center Board of Directors for 12 years and was Board Chair for two years. Norma always remained committed to local health care. When Trinity Foundation visited with me about this opportunity it felt very natural to make this gift in Norma's memory," shares Tom.
Tom's gift commitment is made in support of the Radiating Hope Capital Campaign. The $3.5 million capital campaign is raising money for a new linear accelerator. One million of Tom's gift will be directed to the Radiating Hope Capital Campaign. The second million will be used to create the Norma and Tom Schmoker Family Endowment to support the future capital needs of the Norma Schmoker Cancer Center.
"We are grateful to Mr. Schmoker for his incredibly generous gift and his loving tribute to his wife, Norma. The Norma Schmoker Cancer Center is an integral part of the health care we provide to this community and region. Patients will be impacted by his generosity for many, many years to come," says Leah Glasgo, President and CEO, UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge.
While the capital campaign kicked off in early 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic created slow progress, making it difficult to connect with key donors. However, Trinity Foundation is happy to announce $2.5 million in gift commitments have been secured for the Radiating Hope Capital Campaign. Trinity Foundation is just $1 million away from achieving its campaign goal of $3.5 million.
"We are excited that COVID is finally slowing and we are able to get out and speak with donors about this important project. Additionally, we are incredibly grateful to Tom for his generous gift and the momentum his gift creates around the campaign," states Carol Grannon, Senior Director of Development, Trinity Foundation.
"We are incredibly thankful for the many donors who have already committed their support to the campaign. We are confident we will successfully complete the Radiating Hope Capital Campaign because we know how important cancer care close to home is to our region and the patients we serve. And we recognize the integral part radiation therapy plays in the successful treatment of cancer," adds Shannon McQuillen, Vice President People Excellence, UPH - FD, and Executive Director, Trinity Foundation.
About Norma Schmoker
Norma graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High and Iowa State University. After teaching home economics and business classes, she co-founded Quality Plus Essar Corp. in 1961 with her husband, Tom Schmoker. She was Vice President and CFO until she and Tom retired.
As an advocate for health care, education and workforce development, Norma served on numerous boards and was recognized by both Democrat and Republican governors for her achievements. She served on the Trinity Regional Medical Center Board for 12 years; two years as Board President.
Norma's passions were her family, horses, gardening and traveling. Norma's love of travel led her to all seven continents and countless countries. Of all her adventures, her favorites included annual vacations with her children and grandchildren.
You, too, can make a gift in memory of a loved one that will make a difference in people's lives. Contact Carol Grannon at (515) 574-6794 or carol.grannon@unitypoint.org to learn more.