The award will support construction of the expanded McCall hospital, which was originally constructed in 1956.

The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, founded in 1963, is led by Harry Bettis, Laura Bettis and Janelle Wise. The family has deep roots in Valley County and Idaho, going back five generations to the 1850s. This philosophy of giving reflects their ranching heritage.

“The physical demands of working in agriculture where we move cows, build fence and use heavy equipment can lead to some serious injuries,” said Laura Bettis, who lives year-round in Donnelly. “We know how critical it is to have competent care for the often routine and sometimes unexpected health needs of our families. Most of all we care deeply about this valley and want to make sure everyone has access to great health care.”

The larger and updated St. Luke’s McCall hospital will provide additional space for the emergency department, surgical services, inpatient care, and diagnostic services. Since 2010 emergency department visits have increased by 59 percent, surgeries have increased by 238 percent and lab tests by 43 percent. The new hospital will more than double the size of the existing hospital.

“The gift from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation is significant both in its impact on our ability to fund the hospital expansion and in terms of its endorsement of the importance of this project for the region,” said Jenny Ruemmele, St. Luke’s McCall Foundation director. “We are truly grateful for this grant.”  

The family was the recipient of the Ralph J. Comstock Jr. Light of Philanthropy Award in 2016. The Light of Philanthropy Award is given annually to individuals who reflect the spirit and philanthropic leadership of the late Ralph J. Comstock, Jr., demonstrating remarkable qualities in leadership, philanthropy, and humanitarianism benefiting St. Luke's and other worthy community charities.

To learn more about The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation, visit their website.