Colleen Cook’s Journey with Memorial Health Foundation

In 1981, Memorial Health Foundation was established with one goal: to ensure that everyone in our community receives the care they deserve. From the Foundation’s beginnings, where meetings convened at Broughton’s headquarters, to the present day in 2023 where tens of millions of dollars have been raised to support local patients, Memorial Health Foundation’s growth has been nothing short of extraordinary. Amidst this remarkable journey, one member of the Board of Trustees has been a consistent presence, since nearly the Foundation’s inception. 

Colleen Cook, JD, and her connection with Memorial Health Foundation is deeply rooted in its history. Samuel Cook, her father, worked alongside Carl Broughton who created the Foundation to support Memorial Health System and its patients. Colleen’s journey is profoundly influenced by her father’s legacy, and she proudly carries forward the torch he lit. She speaks of her father’s involvement in the community, saying, “My father [Sam Cook], was involved in the community. I couldn’t escape it; it was part of my father’s legacy, and I am honored to continue his work.” She continues describing her father’s leadership by saying, “It was always assumed that if we were of reasonable intelligence, were successful in our work, that we would give back to the community.” 

Colleen also touches on the fundraising abilities of her father and Carl Broughton. She states, “It has been said that Mr. Broughton and my father could walk through a room full of people and secure $100,000. Keep in mind this was over 40 years ago, so that was a substantial amount of money.”

The creation of the Foundation marked a significant turning point for Memorial Health System. Prior to its establishment, Memorial Health System relied primarily on its operational budget alongside sporadic donations and campaigns to sustain and expand its services. The creation of the Foundation by Carl Broughton introduced a strategic approach to fundraising, enabling the institution to pursue ambitious capital projects.

“People may think it’s strange, but I love asking for money,” Colleen shares with a smile. One of her most significant accomplishments during her tenure on the Board of Trustees was her instrumental role in securing a generous $1,000,000 contribution from a local family for the new Women and Children’s Hospital. Reflecting on that remarkable achievement, she remarks, “I could have won a million-dollar court case for a client, and I wouldn’t have been happier than I was that day.”

Jarrett Stull, Executive Director for Memorial Health Foundation states, “Much like her father, Colleen can walk into a meeting today and secure a million dollars. It is remarkable.”

Colleen comments on her 40th year anniversary by stating, “I can’t believe it. I didn’t know that it was my 40th year. Time went by in the blink of an eye, much like life does.” For Colleen, these four decades have been defined by unwavering dedication to the Foundation’s mission. Colleen’s true measure of success lies not in personal achievements, but in the tangible impact she has had. “I just hope that at the end of it,” she shares, “I can look back and know it made a difference.”

Colleen’s inspiring journey serves as a powerful reminder that each one of us has the capacity to make a meaningful difference in our community. Consider devoting your time and talent to organizations that strive to create positive change. Whether it’s volunteering your time to support local initiatives, sharing your unique skills and talents, or contributing financially to causes you’re passionate about, your involvement can have a profound impact.

We extend our gratitude to Colleen for her extraordinary 40 years (and counting) of service and dedication to our community. Her unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and boundless passion have left a mark on our organization and the lives of countless individuals. Her legacy of service is a shining example of the transformative power of one individual’s dedication. Please join us in thanking Colleen for her outstanding contributions.

To gain a deeper insight into Colleen’s remarkable journey and her unwavering dedication to the cause, we invite you to watch our full sit-down interview. You can access the interview by scanning the QR code provided or visiting our website at mhsystem.org/Foundation. In this conversation, Colleen shares her experiences, insights, and the pivotal moments that have shaped her incredible 40-year journey. It’s an opportunity to hear firsthand the passion and commitment that have driven her to make a lasting impact on our community.

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