Fifty Years & Counting
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Riverview Health Foundation — a milestone that reflects five decades of meaningful impact and the advancement of patient care at Riverview Health, an independent, community-based system serving Hamilton County through hospitals, emergency and urgent care facilities, and primary care locations.
“I’m honored to help celebrate the wonderful work that has been accomplished by so many individuals over these past 50 years,” says Megan Wiles, executive director of the Riverview Health Foundation. “This work wouldn’t be possible without the numerous men and women who have served on the foundation’s board of directors and helped guide the work and success of the foundation.”
Despite the tremendous growth and change Noblesville and Hamilton County have experienced since 1976, the commitment to raising funds in support of Riverview Health has remained strong, evolving to meet the needs of an expanding community.
“As the county hospital for Hamilton County, Riverview Health doesn’t receive any tax dollars to support our annual operations but is charged with caring for all, regardless of their ability to pay for their care,” Wiles says. “The foundation looks for ways to help fill in some of the gaps that are created, especially during challenging times, to provide appropriate support for the patients and staff of Riverview Health.”
According to Wiles, the foundation has donated more than $18.8M for various programs and projects at Riverview Health since its inception. Additionally, there have only been five other executive directors of the foundation during that time.
“[It] shows the dedication these individuals have for the mission of raising money for our local county hospital to help meet the needs of Riverview Health’s patients and staff,” Wiles says.
In the early 2000s, the Riverview Health Foundation focused its fundraising efforts on the Women’s Pavilion, which opened at Riverview Health in 2003.
“As the desire to raise funds for women and children grew, the Women of Vision Luncheon and the Women of Vision Giving Club were created,” Wiles says. “Over the years, the luncheon and donations to the club have helped grow the Women’s Endowment Fund and have awarded more than $800,000 in grants to departments serving women and children at Riverview Health.”
The Women of Vision Giving Club is a group of women dedicated to making a difference. The club’s philanthropic focus is addressing the growing health care needs of women and girls at Riverview Health.
“In Hamilton County, the number of women leaders dedicated to serving our community is one of the things that I think helps to make our county work, collaborate and thrive,” Wiles says. “I’m happy that we can highlight and celebrate some of those women at our event.”
Last year, one of the speakers was Dr. Bridgett Hurry, who lived in Uganda for several years, opened a clinic and trained others to care for residents after she moved back to the U.S.
“Each year at the luncheon, we highlight the grants that have been awarded that year to support departments at Riverview Health serving women and children,” Wiles says. “These grants range from support for the maternity department to help purchase car seats for families who might not have one, to funding for the Women’s Boutique to provide wigs, bras and prosthetic devices to women going through cancer who may not be able to afford them.”
Speakers this year include Leslie Craig Henderzhas, a partner at Church Church Hittle + Antrim (CCHA Law), who has been engaged in numerous organizations in Hamilton County and is a trailblazer in the legal community. The other speaker is Shayla Webb, owner of The Aroma Room, also an attorney who experienced a life-changing medical situation.
“Both ladies will share their stories and experiences and inspire the attendees, no matter the obstacles we might face, to have the courage and strength to turn those into opportunities,” Wiles adds.
The 2026 Women of Vision Luncheon will take place Thursday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, located at 12156 N. Meridian St. For tickets, search “Riverview Health 2026 Women of Vision Luncheon” online.
