In 2021, The Bellin Health Foundation, Inc. created a grants program to access external funding resources for community programming and services provided through the Bellin Health System. This program expands Bellin Health services, particularly those for traditionally marginalized populations and rural areas, to ensure equitable, convenient and accessible care and service delivery. One important granting organization has been a longtime partner, the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation. Together, this partnership has had huge impacts on patients, children and community members in Bellin Health’s northern region.
The Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation is a family-endowed foundation committed to the growth and improvement of Oconto County and its surrounding areas. The Foundation was established in 1993 by Leon Bond, benefactor of the foundation and founder of the Bond Pickle Company, and Earl DeCloux. To date, the Foundation has given over $5 million to support the local community.
The Bond Foundation has been instrumental in the growth of Bellin Health Oconto Hospital, including the development of the Bond Fitness Center on its campus.
“We continue to support Bellin Health Oconto because they have proven to be a true community organization,” said Mary McMonagle, President of the Bond Foundation. “They make a huge impact on the lives of Oconto County residents through health and recreation opportunities, providing community space for people to gather and offering a vast array of programming that brings people together. The fact that their scholarship program allows any Oconto County resident, regardless of their ability to pay, to enjoy Bellin Health Oconto programming is also an important part of why we continue to offer support.”
Kasey Eisch-Ermis, Team Facilitator of the Bellin Health Fitness Center, deeply values the impact the Bond Foundation partnership.
“The Bond Foundation allowed us to host monthly free day and family nights where we have welcomed a total of over 2,000 community guests into our facility,” Eisch-Ermis said. “They also helped us rebuild our outdoor playground so it can be safely enjoyed by community members. Last year, funds from the Bond Foundation helped us host our first ever Kids Triathlon, where we welcomed 59 racers. The event was extremely successful, and we plan to double our numbers this year. We are so incredibly thankful for grants and the support that the Bond Foundation offers to our facility.”
Learn more about The Bellin Health Foundation grants program and discover ways you can get involved with programs and initiatives by contacting us.