The Ascension Illinois Foundation
The Ascension Illinois Foundation raises tens of millions of dollars annually to advance the mission of Ascension Illinois across the greater Chicago area. Our community's generosity supports the work of our healthcare ministry across 15 hospitals, 230 sites of care and numerous programs and services that address our communities’ health needs.
Our Mission
Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words.
Our Origin Story
Long before Ascension became our sponsor, faith inspired a number of individuals — Catholic religious sisters and brothers — to use their gifts to serve those most in need in the greater Chicago area. Today, the healthcare ministries they started continue through Ascension Illinois. Here is a closer look at those whose work the Ascension Illinois Foundation carries on today:
Our Foundation Boards
Inspired by our religious founders, a dedicated group of Foundation Board members, including community leaders, physicians and Ascension Illinois associates, lead the Ascension Illinois Foundation today. They are passionate about using their gifts to serve those most in need and make a positive impact on the health of our communities.
Ascension Illinois Foundation Board
Ken Bauwens
Co-Chair
Reinhold Llerena, MD
Board Member
Mike Benoit
Co-Chair
Dominic Mangone
Board Member
Polly Davenport
Board Member
Melissa Pontikes
Board Member
Melanie Furlan
Board Member
Larry G. Swets, Jr.
Board Member
Terry Graber
Board Member
Matthew P. Walsh II
Board Member
Ted Kanellakes
Board Member
George Wienold
Board Member
Ascension Illinois Regional Foundation Boards
Chicago Board
Ken Bauwens | Co-Chair
Matthew Walsh II | Co-Chair
John Baird
Gary Binder
David Bordo, MD
Bob Dahl
Dennis Garlick
Diane Latta
Michael Neller
Raymond Parmer
Eric Rhodes
George Wienold
Jim Wienold
Len Wilk
Suzanne Zaccone
Ratna Kunwar | Junior Board Nick Wienold | Junior Board