In this issue
A Letter from Karli Bunnell, Executive Director
As we continue building momentum for the year ahead, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your ongoing partnership and generosity. Because of your support, the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation is able to invest in innovative programs, advance strategic priorities, and ensure high-quality care remains accessible in our region. Your commitment truly makes a difference for our patients, caregivers, and community.
In this edition of our newsletter, we celebrate the success of our Best Of fundraiser, introduce True North and the vision guiding our future, recognize the dedicated members of the Joseph Family Giving Circle, and welcome a new Foundation Board member. We’re also proud to share news of our Primary Stroke Certification and highlight Periscope Path.
Thank you for your continued trust and support—it is an honor to work alongside you to strengthen healthcare for our community.
In gratitude,
Karli Bunnell
Executive Director
Best Of Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! The Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation’s Best Of Fundraiser returns on Friday, October 30th at the North Tahoe Event Center for another unforgettable evening celebrating culinary excellence and community impact.
Guests will enjoy thoughtfully crafted bites from the region’s top chefs, perfectly paired wines, and a lively program highlighting the importance of expanding access to high-quality healthcare in our mountain community. Rooted in community and driven by generosity, Best Of brings together friends, partners, and supporters for a meaningful night benefiting the Foundation’s Area of Greatest Need Fund.
We would be honored to partner with you as a sponsor of this year’s Best Of fundraiser. View sponsorship options.
Stay tuned for ticket information, chef and winery announcements, and auction packages — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Introducing “True North”– Your Voice, Our Future
Tahoe Forest Health System’s True North community engagement initiative is now underway, and we’re inviting residents, patients, second homeowners, partners and staff to help shape the future of healthcare in our region by sharing what matters most to them.
True North is all about listening first. We want to understand what it looks like when a health system truly becomes the center of health in a community. Your input will help guide priorities around the overall patient experience, access, services, and innovation.
Over the coming months, the TFHS team will be out in the community to meet people where they are, including at a number of planned events in Truckee and at the lake. You’ll see opportunities to participate through an online survey, QR codes at both IVCH and Tahoe Forest Hospital and partner locations, listening sessions and collaborations with local organizations.
Your opinion matters! We hope you’ll get involved, learn more, and most importantly take the survey today. For specific dates, locations and details, please visit tfhd.com/true-north.
Joseph Family Giving Circle
The Joseph Family Giving Circle recognizes and celebrates donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to support Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. Inspired by the Joseph Family’s original gift of the land where our hospital now stands, this special group reflects a legacy of generosity and community spirit that continues to shape healthcare in our region.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s Joseph Family Giving Circle members for their meaningful commitment to our health system and the patients, families, and neighbors we serve. Your leadership-level support strengthens essential programs, advances key initiatives, and ensures exceptional care remains close to home. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and the lasting impact you make in our community.
Meet Your Foundation Board Member
We are pleased to welcome Heather Boger to the TFHS Foundation Board of Directors and are grateful for her commitment to our mission.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Heather moved to Truckee with her husband, Tom, in 2017 so their sons could attend Tahoe Expedition Academy. She brings valuable project and team management experience from her career at Apple and has become deeply connected to the people and organizations that make Truckee such a special place to live.
A grateful patient and strong champion of TFHD, Heather has experienced our health system’s impact firsthand as a parent and community member. In addition to working locally as a California-commissioned notary public and loan signing agent, she serves as a docent and Board Member at the Museum of Truckee History. When she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys family time, local live music, cheering on the LSU Fighting Tigers, and being “all things Mom” to her sons and goldendoodle, Gumbo.
Please join us in thanking Heather for joining the Foundation Board and supporting our community.
TFHS Achieves Primary Stroke Certification with ACHC
Tahoe Forest Health System proudly announces it has earned Primary Stroke Center certification from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). This distinction recognizes the organization’s ability to rapidly diagnose and treat acute stroke patients, including the timely use of thrombolytic “clot busting” medication and other evidence-based therapies. Achieving this certification demonstrates Tahoe Forest’s compliance with rigorous national standards and its commitment to delivering high-quality, coordinated stroke care when every second matters.
ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has served as a trusted symbol of quality since 1986, providing national accreditation and certification for various healthcare services.
“Achieving the Primary Stroke Certification is a meaningful milestone in the care we provide to our community,” said Anna Roth, President and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System. “This recognition affirms the strength of our stroke care program and the dedication of our clinical teams. It reflects our commitment to delivering rapid, coordinated, high-quality stroke care that saves lives and ensures the best possible outcomes for our patients close to home.”
To learn more about Tahoe Forest Health System’s Stroke Care Program and team, visit www.tfhd.com.
Offering Periscope Path
An elevated review of your estate plan to clarify what matters most.
In partnership with Vince McElligott at Thompson & Associates, we’re pleased to offer Periscope Path—a guided, confidential process that helps families discover what truly matters most. By aligning personal values with estate plans, this thoughtful approach ensures loved ones and meaningful causes are supported with clarity and purpose for generations to come.
If you are interested in learning more about this complimentary estate planning education opportunity, we invite you to visit the Periscope Path website. For additional information or questions, please contact Karli Bunnell, Executive Director Foundations, at [email protected].
What Our Community is Saying
We are always proud to share some of the positive recognition we receive from patients, honoring the compassionate care provided at Tahoe Forest Health System!
“I’ve had cancer for 4 years and come here every month. It’s actually become something I look forward to. The staff feel like friends and the reception is so warm. It’s a wonderful center”
“Tahoe Forest has a solid reputation amongst EMS providers so it’s a no brainer decision when I was injured. The weekend staff was courteous and doc Krause was detailed and didn’t feel like he was rushing.”
“Our experience was awesome! All the nurses and doctors are amazing! We all felt so comfortable and all our questions were answered. We felt all the support and Lucie was taken care of like she was part of a family. Surgery is always scary, but we felt supported and Lucie was taken care of with love and kindness!”
“Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado is the best family doctor, caring, attentive, answering & explaining my questions in a manner that is well understood! I appreciate her over and above for her genuine character, knowledge, experience and more!! You are very fortunate to have her on board!!”
“This will be my 3rd surgery @ Tahoe [Forest] – having been a past medical professional practitioner, I know when I’m in the care of the BEST and Dr. Ringnes & Staff are the reason I travel 80 mi to be in your care.”
Get In Touch
Learn more about the Foundation by following the Health System on social media! We post updates weekly.
Instagram Username: tahoeforesthealthsystem
Facebook Page: Tahoe Forest Health System
Twitter Account: TahoeForestHospital
Thank you for your interest in the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. To learn more about the different ways you can support TFH through philanthropy, visit www.tfhd.com/giving/giving or contact Karli Epstein, Executive Director, at 530-582-4204 or [email protected].
If you are not on our electronic mailing list, sign up to receive our quarterly TFHS Foundation eNewsletter.
