John and Joanne Gardner’s Fund Brings Compassion to the Bedside

Joanne Gardner worked as a nurse at Central Washington Hospital. Her legacy of compassion and kindness continues to live on through her and her husband’s generous gift.

What’s your legacy?

John and Joanne Gardner’s legacy is compassion for patients in times of need.

In 1996, John and Joanne Gardner set out to make a gift that would help patients feel comfort during times of great need and uncertainty. Fueled by their generous spirit and unwavering commitment to helping others they established the John and Joanne Gardner Fund. Since they made their gift almost thirty years ago, the endowment has become more than a financial resource; it serves as a source of compassion for patients in need, providing essential support during their most vulnerable moments in the hospital.

Since its inception, the fund has addressed the small yet profound needs of patients. Imagine being in a hospital bed, grappling with uncertainty and discomfort. The Gardner Fund has made it possible for patients to receive simple comforts—reading glasses that allow a patient to lose themselves in a book, clean clothing that restores dignity, and even personal care products. These thoughtful gestures may seem modest, but they create ripples of comfort and hope for individuals who often lack nearby family support or financial means.

Joanne Gardner, a dedicated nurse at Central Washington Hospital, understood this need more than anyone. Known for her extraordinary compassion, she was the embodiment of selflessness, often using her own funds to ensure her patients had what they required. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of this fund, a testament to her dedication to patient care that extended well beyond her professional duties.

John and Joanne Gardner

Though John and Joanne are no longer with us, their compassionate spirit continues in perpetuity at Confluence Health through the Gardner Social Services Fund. It stands as a remarkable gift to the community—a living tribute that echoes their love and commitment to others.

With deep gratitude, we honor the Gardners for their profound impact on our community and celebrate the enduring legacy of kindness they have left behind. Their story reminds us all of the power of compassion and the difference one couple can make in the lives of many.