Switzer's Gift Designated to Future Women's Center at MDH

The McDonough District Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce that Richard “Dick” Switzer has donated a lead gift of $1.9 million to build a Women’s Center in memory of his beloved wife, Dolores Kator Switzer.

Dick’s sizable donation will initiate the project. His heartfelt gift is in honor of his wife Dolores who passed away October 19, 2013 at the age of 91. Dick has also named MDH in his will designating the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center as the primary beneficiary. Those gifts combined will exceed $2 million.

“A Women’s Center has been on the MDH ‘wish list’ for many years,” said MDH President/CEO Kenny Boyd. “With this generous gift, we will see its fruition.”

Dolores was a graduate of and worked at Western Illinois University for 34 years as the Registrar; and was later appointed the first Director of Graduate and Foreign Admissions. Dick was extremely proud of Dolores and her accomplishments.

“I’m adamant that everything be named after Dolores because it was her income we invested. She trusted me and it paid off,” said Dick. “It’s important to me that everyone knows what an amazing woman Dolores was. I loved her with all of my heart.”

Switzer’s lead gift is the kick-off to a future capital campaign for the Dolores Kator Switzer Women’s Center. The project will consist of a newly designed Obstetrics department with private suites for new mothers; a wing for gynecological services; a diagnostics area providing mammography, biopsy, ultrasound, and more.

“Dick’s gift comes straight from his heart as he wants the community to remember Dolores,” said MDH Foundation Leader Vicky Wallen. “It has been such an honor for me to get to know Dick and appreciate how deep his love is for her. Dolores was the love of his life and her legacy will live on for years to come!”

Read more about Dick and Dolores Kator Switzer in the upcoming MDH Foundation newsletter “Generosity Inspires” February 2015.