May 15, 2024
Keith Curtis, Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), executive director of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, is a chef by trade and was an entrepreneur and restaurateur for 20 years. When he decided to make a career change, he chose philanthropy because of his long-held interest in the charitable sector and his desire to give back to a region that has given so much support to him, his businesses and his family over so many years. Photo supplied.
Story by Amelia Schofield
Alberta Health Services recognizes May as Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’re celebrating our philanthropic partners who raise funds for healthcare across the province.
The Faces of Foundations profile series introduces you to leaders in healthcare philanthropy across Alberta. This week, we’re pleased to profile Keith Curtis, Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), and executive director of the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation.
Why did you become involved with the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation?
I’m a chef by trade and was an entrepreneur and restaurant owner for many years. When I was in the restaurant industry, we supported the foundation for many years by providing bar service and donating auction items for their events. I became more involved through a good friend of mine who worked with the foundation at the time, and I volunteered on the campaign committee for the foundation’s Key to Care campaign as it was starting.
When I eventually sold my businesses, I was looking at what I wanted to do next and was considering philanthropy. I was offered a position overseas to work with an international non-profit organization, then the executive director position with the foundation became available. It was recommended that I apply for the position and so I did. I then went through the recruitment process, was selected for the role, and here I am today.
Why is health philanthropy important to you?
Being involved in philanthropy, and specifically healthcare philanthropy, is my way of giving back. I think healthcare philanthropy has a uniqueness to it and there’s so much you can accomplish through this work. It’s not only about philanthropy – it’s about change, it’s about advancement, and it’s about excellence – which are all exciting things to be a part of. I also think the people that work in healthcare are amazing people doing great work, so I really enjoy working with them as well.
What does being a leader in healthcare philanthropy mean to you?
I think leadership in philanthropy is about fostering the growth potential of people in the industry and that’s why I’ve been very dedicated to professional development and building the professional side of the industry, especially in our region and in the smaller communities.
To me, it’s also about providing that kind of leadership throughout the industry and that’s why I’m so heavily involved in the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, and specifically, the strategic planning and professional development side of their work. I think that’s what it’s about — it’s about the innovation that can happen by developing the people and developing the industry into something stronger.
What recent foundation accomplishments make you most proud?
I’m proud of the fact that we’re growing as a foundation, and I think that’s been a strategic growth over the past five years. We’ve been able to add additional fund development members to our team and have taken our foundation to the next level. There have been some setbacks, but we’ve also seen tremendous success. This year, we received an insurance bequest, a major gift, and an annual gift from a single donor. That was really big for us, and I think those are the kind of accomplishments you really look forward to in your career.
We’re also seeing success with our partnership with Alberta Cancer Foundation, where we’re fundraising for a new mammography bus for the region. We’re excited to be part of a project that will provide services to not only to Grande Prairie, but to our entire region.
What initiatives are coming up for the foundation?
Our foundation has been hosting physician engagement dinners, and we’ve had significant success with our first two events. These dinners have provided a great opportunity to show our appreciation for local physicians, help build a stronger medical community in the region and share the work of the foundation. We’re looking forward to holding another one this spring, where we hope to have 250 people in the room.
We’re also excited about our partnership with Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie in opening the Ken Sargent House. The facility will provide temporary emergency residence for patients and families from outside of Grande Prairie who are here due to medical trauma needs, emergency services, medical treatments and other services. The foundation will be the residence’s operating partner.
What is the best way for Albertans to support the foundation?
Every donation counts and monthly giving is a great, accessible way to support your local foundation. I think it’s also important to spread the word about what foundations do for healthcare and sharing grateful patient stories or their own philanthropic stories can make a world of difference in the support foundations receive. There are a lot of great projects being done across the province because of foundations and the support they receive from generous people with big hearts.
For more information on the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, visit gphospitalfoundation.ca.
