Hospital and college foundations benefit from large gift from the Bette and Herschel Sparks Estates

The Central Washington Hospital Foundation and Wenatchee Valley College Foundation will benefit from nearly $4.7 million from the Bette and Herschel Sparks Estates, the organizations learned recently.

The hospital foundation will receive $3,331,750 and the college foundation will receive $1,333,500. Within the next several months, $498,750 of the total will come to the hospital foundation and $199,500 to the college foundation, with the remainder coming to the organizations at a later date, according to the trust.

“We were very excited to hear the news that Bette and Herschel included Central Washington Hospital Foundation in their estate plans,” said Abel Noah, executive director. “Mr. and Mrs. Sparks’ generosity is overwhelming and shows a great commitment and spirit of philanthropy to area nonprofits.

“The Sparks’ gift will most definitely help the foundation’s vision of enhancing Central Washington Hospital’s ability to provide superior healthcare close to home while advancing our community. The entire Central Washington Hospital family thanks Bette and Herschel Sparks.”

“This is fantastic news,” said Jim Richardson, president of Wenatchee Valley College. “It could not have come at a better time. The immediate gift of almost $200,000 will go toward our new Center for Music and Art. The remainder will be used to support our students and programs in additional ways.

“We are so thankful for the kindness of the Sparks. Their generosity is extraordinary.”