In Part One of our 2025 Gifts in Review story, we highlighted donors who strengthened early childhood programs, behavioral health care, frontline providers, and oral health across Colorado. In Part Two, we’re turning to three powerful stories of generosity: rebuilding Westside Family Health Center, Denver Health employees giving back, and legacy gifts that will sustain care for generations to come.
Denver Health’s Westside Family Health Center has been a trusted source of care for generations. As the Westside campus undergoes a major rebuild, donors are stepping forward to ensure that this historic health center can continue serving patients for decades to come.
These gifts are helping rebuild Westside as a modern, welcoming home for primary care, behavioral health, and supportive services for patients in southwest Denver and beyond.
Denver Health employees see the impact of philanthropy every day, and many choose to give back themselves. Through payroll deductions, one-time gifts, and special campaigns, 1,286 staff and clinicians contributed Denver Health Foundation in 2025 to support programs and services across the system, including the rebuild of Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center. This year, employee donors are also rallying around the Hanfling Challenge: if 1,000 Denver Health employees make a gift to Westside, a challenge gift from longtime supporter and outgoing board chair Josh Hanfling will be unlocked.
From bedside nurses and paramedics to clinic staff and specialists, employee donors demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment to the patients they serve. Their generosity sends a powerful message: the people caring for Denver are also investing in Denver Health’s future.
Several donors chose to support Denver Health through planned gifts this year, ensuring that future generations will have access to exceptional care, regardless of their ability to pay.
Through their estates and beneficiary designations:
In addition, two new endowed funds were established: one created by Dr. Tom and Trang MacKenzie to provide unrestricted support, and one created by Sharif Abdelhamid and Marissa Vasquez to benefit our School-Based Health Centers. These endowments will provide steady, long-term resources to sustain Denver Health’s mission year after year.
Legacy gifts like these reflect a deep trust in Denver Health and a shared belief that everyone in our community deserves access to high-quality care, now and in the future.
Across both parts of our 2025 Gifts in Review story, one theme is clear: every gift to Denver Health Foundation — from monthly employee contributions to transformational grants and legacy commitments — plays a vital role in improving health and well-being across Denver.
The generosity highlighted here represents only a portion of the support we received in 2025, but each story reflects the same truth: when our community comes together, we can create a healthier future for everyone.
As we look ahead to a new year, we invite you to join us. Your support, in any form, helps Denver Health continue to be Denver’s essential health system and most trusted health care partner for life’s journey.
Interested in helping advance Denver Health’s mission? Visit our Ways to Give page to explore your giving options or contact Denver Health Foundation to talk with our team about how you can support the areas that matter most to you.
The generosity highlighted here represents only a portion of the support we received in 2025, but each story reflects the same truth: when our community comes together, we can create a healthier future for everyone.
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