Meet our Donors

Roger and Judy Kohlmeier, GIVING & RECEIVING

BOARD MEMBERS THAT GIVE – 45 COMBINED YEARS OF SUPPORT AND DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY

Monetary donations do not limit the generosity of long time supporters Roger and Judy Kohlmeier. They have donated stock, burial plots, sponsored, purchased and sold tickets for events, donated and purchased trips, and graciously hosted the Foundation Holiday parties. In addition, Roger was one of the first Board members to join the I Will Club, by naming the Foundation in their estate planning. There are no limits to the kindness of the Kohlmeier's.

The young Kohlmeier family, Roger, Judy, and son, Scott, were brought to Yolo County by a job opportunity for Roger. Once in the area, the family established their care at Woodland Clinic. In 1967, two weeks after the grand opening of Woodland Memorial Hospital, Roger and Judy welcomed their second son, Brian. "We thought we'd be in Woodland for a short period of time, then move again." Yet, that was not the case; 39 years later, Woodland remains the place where the Kohlmeier's call home.

Over the years, Roger has volunteered with many different non-profit organizations. However, in 1985, after opening Bank of Woodland, Roger was approached by the Foundation Board to become a Trustee. At the time, Roger thought joining the Board would be a good opportunity to be a part of the community hospital. Little did he know, 25 years later, he would become the longest serving member of the Board of Trustees.

During Roger's years on the Board, he has served in many capacities including: Hospital Community Board, Foundation Board President, Executive Board, Finance Committee, and numerous other committees. His commitment to the Foundation and Woodland Healthcare is exceptional.

that could light up a room, has also been a part of the Woodland Healthcare family. For 20 years, Judy volunteered with the Auxiliary, then known as Pink Ladies. She began delivering mail and menus at Woodland Memorial. However, once the opportunity arose, she changed departments to the maternity ward, and could be found helping new mothers and welcoming Yolo County's newest residents.

Seven years ago, Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer. During this time of concern, Judy said, "The physicians and staff were extremely responsive and caring. I'm cancer free today, due to the rapid response of Dr. Moynihan, Dr. Erba, and Dr. Alali." Because of their compassion during Judy's treatment and remission, the Kohlmeier's have remained dedicated to supporting Woodland Healthcare.

"Donating to the hospital is a community tradition," Roger said. He continued, "Since the opening of Woodland Memorial, the community has felt an ownership and a sense of responsibly to maintain a top quality hospital."

Roger and Judy are most proud of their role with the Duck Pluck. They have sold and purchased countless ducks, and were winners in 2006, however, more importantly, they were also the couple to bring the event to Woodland.

In 1986, while visiting their son, Scott in Eugene, Oregon, the Kohlmeier's heard of a fundraiser called the Great Rotary Duck Race. Curious about this rubber ducky event, Roger and Judy researched it and brought the information back to Northern California.

Roger first approached another community organization with the idea, however they were not interested. Yet, once discussing the details with the Board, the Foundation welcomed this new opportunity. This would lead to the beginning of the largest fundraiser for the Foundation. In 22 years, the Duck Pluck alone has raised over $1,000,000 to support Woodland Healthcare.

Roger and Judy are extremely happy with the direction the Foundation and Woodland Healthcare has taken. The Kohlmeier's both agree, "Throughout the years, we have seen revival of community support. This zeal for Woodland Healthcare has lead to the consistency of patrons and donors."

Throughout the 25 years Roger has served on the Board, he has lead by example. He has represented, guided, advised, and supported the Foundation. Roger's wisdom and history with the Foundation have made him the most respected Trustee.

The Foundation is proud to be supported by Roger and Judy Kohlmeier.

For more information regarding estate planning, donations of stock, or other giving opportunities, please contact the Foundation at 530.669.5680.

Dr. Cleve & Irene Baker, INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

Some 15 years ago, partners of the Woodland Clinic Medical Group who had formed a building company to build their building, we were forced to sell the building when sold to the Mercy System. For most, this investment was the corner stone of our retirement investment programs and mandatory sale came with confiscatory Capital Gains taxation on the appreciated value effectively setting them back years on retirement saving.

Enter the Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) as an alternative to Capital Gains Destruction. Business advisors from both Mercy and Woodland Healthcare explained the Pros and Cons of the CRUT. It is a legal document drawn up by lawyers setting up a Trust to receive up to all the funds a partner would receive from, in this case, the building sale. During the life of the Trust, the trustee a) can continue to invest into the CRT and direct the investments to maximize growth; b) receive a limited annual designated income from the CRT based on end of the year value; c) annual tax forms (complicated) are required; d) upon the death of the trustee, all funds in the CRT are distributed to the Charities designated in the Trust by the trustee; NONE can go to family inheritance.

I felt the CRUT plan was plausible because it allowed me to grow the Trust Fund while providing a source of income retirement and then bequeathing the funds at death to worthy charitable organizations. The Foundation was named as a beneficiary of the unitrust with provisions that are contingent on ensuring the primacy of the patient in receiving care and expertise at Woodland Healthcare for the welfare of the community and the organization.

The organization is made up of excellent people throughout its diverse structure, and now, as a consumer of those services, I can speak of them from a patient's perspective. There has always been a special bond between the medical profession of the Woodland Clinic and the community; it has been unique.; It must be supported and protected.

Although retired for 11 years, Dr. Baker has an active presence on the campus. He can be found attending medical education seminars with the medical and nursing staffs. He has played music for employee holiday events. He has an in depth historical knowledge of the Woodland Clinic and the organizations that descended from it. That knowledge was shared last year in his presentation at the Foundation Annual Dinner where the Woodland Clinic Medical Group was honored for the 100 years of service to the community.