Kahlert Foundation Continues Commitment to Community

The Kahlert Foundation is truly committed to helping fellow community members by making intentional philanthropic decisions that improve outcomes for individuals and families in the most positive way. Healthcare plays a large role in those philanthropic priorities because it plays a large role in the lives of people in their community.

“We all know someone: a beloved family member, a friend or co-worker that has dealt with health issues. Life is tough enough without all the complications of sickness or disease. Hence, healthcare is a priority for The Kahlert Foundation. We are committed to helping others to ensure their healthy lifestyles,” Greg Kahlert, president of The Kahlert Foundation and son of its founders, Bill and Yvonne Kahlert, said.

The Foundation recently made its sixth major gift to GBMC, which will support The Promise Project. Since 2000, the Kahlert Foundation has supported oncology services and clinical trial research, spiritual support services, as well as general operating gifts that strengthen GBMC services – all of which are pillars of The Promise Project.

“We are proud to be long-term supporters of GBMC and are especially excited to provide additional support for The Promise Project,” Kahlert said. “My mother and father received the best care at GBMC for which we are forever grateful. The Promise Project will take this to an even higher level resulting in the best physical, mental and spiritual healing in the region.”

“The Kahlert Family’s desire to see the impact of their philanthropy and hold these organizations to the high standard of performing the best they can for the community is commendable. Their gifts to help those in need inspire us every day, and we are grateful for their help with this project," John B. Chessare, MD, MPH, President and CEO of GBMC HealthCare said.

Bill and Yvonne Kahlert first supported GBMC HealthCare 21 years ago, following Bill’s successful treatment for cancer. Only four short years later – moved by care provided by Dr. Ron Tutrone – the couple made a gift to name the William E. Kahlert Cystoscopy Suite and begin a legacy of generous gifting to GBMC.

In April 2007, the couple established the William E. Kahlert Urological Research Fund and established the WM E. Kahlert Research & Discovery Fund at GBMC in December 2009. The Kahlert Foundation then continued Bill and Yvonne’s legacy by generously creating the Yvonne Kahlert Chapel Endowment Fund in honor of Greg Kahlert's late mother in 2014 and making a generous gift that closed the gap on GBMC’s $50 million fundraising effort in honor of the hospital’s 50th anniversary.

Gifts are a direct result of a desire to ensure other members of the community continue to receive the outstanding care the couple was the beneficiaries of, and support of The Promise Project is no different.

“Dad was diagnosed and treated for cancer at GBMC, which extended his life for 12 years, an amazing success story! The new Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, supported by some of the best doctors and state-of-the-art medical equipment will enable even more patients to be treated with successful outcomes,” Greg Kahlert said. “Additionally, in relocating the Yvonne Kahlert Chapel, named after Mom, GBMC has demonstrated their commitment to spiritual healing for patients, their families, and the staff – more important than ever during this pandemic.”

The Promise Project’s intent is to build a place of continued health, healing and hope for the community, a space that can contain the next generation of healthcare, the support of family and caregivers, and the advanced equipment needed to treat advanced illness and disease. As construction commences in September on this space, GBMC maintains the end goal in mind – better health and care for our community. Just as the Kahlert Foundation does.