The Power of Matching Gifts

Honor a Doctor, Support Rural Healthcare

Doctor’s Day is March 30, 2025. In March, we invite you to make a gift in honor of the physicians who have made a difference in your life. Click here to help us show gratitude to those that dedicate their careers to caring for us!

When Dr. Peter Rutherford announced his retirement as CEO of Confluence Health, a local family approached the Foundation with an idea to honor his legacy of exemplary service to North Central Washington. With their remarkable donation of $250,000 they established the Peter Rutherford Professional Development Endowment that will support the advancement and growth of the healthcare workforce needed to care for our community.

But the family knew they weren’t alone in the desire to honor Dr. Rutherford’s legacy. So, the family proposed a matching gift challenge. If the community contributed an additional $250,000 for the Rutherford Endowment, they would match it!

The community surrounding Confluence Health rallied together with the shared goal of meeting the match. Colleagues, patients, and friends made contributions that reflected their appreciation of Dr. Rutherford’s enduring impact on the region. This past December, 44 additional donors ensured our match challenge was met, bringing the Rutherford Endowment to a remarkable $750,000!

When asked what this tribute meant to him, Dr. Rutherford said, “I am incredibly honored and humbled by the support of the Peter Rutherford Professional Development Endowment by the original donor family and the residents of North Central Washington.  This endowment will continue in perpetuity, providing the educational financial support for critical health care staff that will benefit us all in a time of need.  Thank you so much.”

What we love about this story is that the original donors wanted to bring others with them on their journey to honor Dr. Rutherford. Through their leadership and generosity, they have inspired the generosity of others and our community has gained an incredible resource that will shape healthcare in North Central Washington in perpetuity. We are grateful for the forethought and kindness of our donors.