Information for Giving

Caring for others is our first priority. By supporting our hospital’s work through the AdventHealth Waterman Foundation, you're giving back to your community. You’re giving hope to our patients in their greatest time of need. Join us today in Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Every donation has the power to change someone’s world.

Since 1985, our Foundation has provided funding in many areas, to help heal and ensure the very best in health care. By raising and administering charitable gifts, the Foundation powers the programs and services that make AdventHealth Waterman the most trusted hospital in Lake County.

Invest in the health and well-being of your community. Join us as a Partner in Caring. To contribute or learn more about the Foundation, reach out to us at:

AdventHealth Waterman Foundation
1500 Waterman Way
Tavares, FL 32778
Call352-253-3270

Your Gift

We believe each person is inspired to give in their own, individual way. There are many opportunities to support your hospital and your community. Find what is right for you.

Your Legacy

Create a lasting legacy of healing. Leave a legacy gift to our hospital in the form of a bequest, charitable annuity, trust, or an IRA rollover. Your donation stays right here in your community, helping others for generations to come. To find out how you can leave a legacy, reach out to a member of our planned giving team at Call352-253-3270.

Your Support

You can donate to any of the following areas within your hospital:

• Area of Greatest Capital Need
• Cancer Care
• Community Primary-Health Clinic
• Emergency Department
• Family Crisis Fund
• Heart Center
• Mission Funds

Your Involvement

The AdventHealth Waterman Foundation works closely with community and corporate partners to raise the funds to keep our hospital on the cutting edge of health-care excellence. Throughout the year, we host many hospital fundraising events that join supporters together under a common purpose.

In-kind gifts are a wonderful way to partner with our Foundation. Please contact our office if you would like to donate merchandise or gift certificates for special events.

Mary Poillion scheduled her annual mammogram on a Monday in June of 2014. Unexpectedly on Saturday night prior, she found a small lump. First thing on Monday, she contacted her doctor and had a routine screening mammogram switched to a diagnostic screening with ultrasound. Mary pushed to have the biopsy as soon as possible. Then came the results, “positive for cancer, and on my son’s birthday.”

The doctors believed she had an 85% chance of not needing chemo. They proceeded with a lumpectomy.  Mary went into her surgeon’s office for a follow up visit, and she added “I’ll never forget this, my surgeon walked in with tears in her eyes.” It was in the lymph nodes. Mary immediately requested to be sent to an Oncologist.

An appointment with Dr. Al-Hazzouri resulted in a diagnosis of Stage 2 hormone aggressive cancer. Worried, she contacted her oldest son, an anesthesiologist, who spoke to his doctor friends and agreed on the best treatment plan with Dr. Al. The treatment plan included two (2) aggressive chemo types. Mary says, “I have so much faith in Dr. Al and this hospital that I decided I’m going to fight this, I’m not going anywhere, I’m going to drive my kids crazy forever!” Her doctor assured her she had the right attitude, mindset is key.

“You don’t know how strong you are until you need to be strong,” says Mary. Mary’s best advice to anyone going through cancer would be first to listen and trust your doctor and second to  understand what accumulative chemo means. She also shared how important it is to have a “breast buddy.” Mary’s buddy was Eileen, the cancer care navigator at AdventHealth Waterman Cancer Center. Eileen is available to assist through the process, appointments, and to answer questions.  She told us that all of the staff was very supportive.

The best thing, Mary says is “I saved 45 minutes in the morning by not having to do my hair!”

Seven (7) years cancer free, Mary shared, “I’m here to help people.” Owning a pet shop with birds in the 70’s, she started working in pet therapy. Then she met and adopted TJ Llama and trained him for pet therapy in 2008. The llamas visit assisted living facilities and go from bed to bed to visit patients unable to move into common areas. When asked why she takes the llamas to so many special events and facilities around the community, Mary says, “If I can help one person, that’s why I do it.”

Volunteering at our hospital is a way to bring comfort and healing to those who need it most. Since 1958, our volunteers have helped power our hospital through their dedicated volunteer service. Together they’ve given more than 3-million hours of service and raised more than $4.8 million.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to join our team of outstanding hospital volunteers:

• Fill out a Volunteer Application
• Pass a background check
• Attend mandatory orientation and training
• Abide by AdventHealth Waterman policies and procedures
• Attend an annual education class
• Participate in an annual performance review

As a hospital volunteer, you’ll receive:

• A free meal for every four hours of service
• Free flu vaccinations
• Service awards
• Access to our Conry CREATION Life fitness center

Plus, you’ll have the joy of knowing you made a difference in your community.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our Auxiliary office at Call352-253-3333, ext. 4571. Call any time Monday through Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm.

Raise money that will impact the lives of patients and their families for years to come. And have a blast doing it. Every year, we hold a number of hospital fundraising events — from our Professionals Seminars to our Health-Care Golf Classic — designed to promote and fund our hospital’s work. Bring your friends and family to our Celebration of Life Gala, or join us at one of our other hospital fundraisers. It’s a great way to learn about what we do and how your gifts make a difference.

2019 10^th Annual Celebration of Life Gala

Join AdventHealth Waterman Foundation on February 23, 2019 at 6:45 pm at the Orlando Science Center to support Emergency Services at AdventHealth Waterman. The evening will include a gourmet dinner, entertainment by SAK Comedy and a silent auction. Please contact [email protected] or call Call352-253-3270 for more information or to reserve your seat.

2019 6^th Annual Ladies Legacy Luncheon

You’ll find Fun, Friendship and Inspiration at the Ladies Legacy Luncheon while supporting Cancer Care Services at AdventHealth Waterman. The luncheon will take place Friday, October 4, 2019 at Lake receptions. Exhibitor booths and demonstrations will open at 10 am with luncheon program beginning at 11:30 am. Special keynote speaker Michelle Rigby Assad will share her experiences working undercover for the CIA. Tickets will be available soon. Please contact [email protected] or call Call352-253-3270 if you would like to reserve a seat now.

2019 26^th Annual Partners in Health Care Golf Classic

This fun day of amateur golf will be held November 1 at RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento and will support Emergency Services at AdventHealth Waterman. To sponsor the tournament, please contact [email protected] or call Call352-253-3270.

Susan Glenn Caddell, DDS, Chair

Todd Mazenko, Vice Chair

Kress Muenzmay, Treasurer

Bob Speaks, Secretary

Tracy Belton

Abel Biri, President and CEO

Peter Marzek, MD

C.A. Vossberg

Hersina Green

Frank Munroe

Mike Rogers

Dean Simmons

Bobby Welter

Robert White

Ted Wicks

Dalton Yancey

Stuart Smith, Advisory Member

Brenda Mulholland, Adjunct Member

AdventHealth Waterman Foundation
1500 Waterman Way
Tavares, FL 32778
Call352-253-3270

Foundation Team
April Kauffman - President
Jenna Krager - Manager
Sherrie Douglas - Donor Relations Coordinator
Joan Ordazzo - Special Events Coordinator
Erin Lewin - Executive Assistant