Who We Are
1889 Foundation supports innovative programs and initiatives that improve and transform the overall health and wellness of our region, and is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from the community.
Our Story
1889 Foundation
Our organization actually began decades ago. We were officially founded in 1993 as Conemaugh Health Foundation. We were the philanthropic arm of the hospitals of Conemaugh Health System. In September 2014, Conemaugh Health System was purchased by Duke LifePoint Healthcare. At that time, Conemaugh Health System became a for-profit organization. Months later, on March 1, 2015, the Conemaugh Health Foundation was reborn as 1889 Foundation, a completely independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Our Staff
1889 Foundation
Susan M. Mann, President
Debra Costlow, Director of Programs & Development
Wendy Reitnauer, Director of Finance
Barbara Hull, Administrative Assistant
Our Board
Amanda Artim
Michael Barletta
Scott Becker, Vice Chairman
James Cascio, Chairman
Kim Craig, Treasurer
Bruce Duke, III, MD
James F. Hargreaves
Krista Mathias
Frank Quitoni, Secretary
Donald Ratchford, MD
John Saracena
Michael Smith
Rowland H. Tibbott, Jr.
Susan Williams, MD
Ex-Officio Member
Susan M. Mann, President
Our Name Reflects A Rich History
Built on our foundation.
Our name instantly connects our foundation to two things that are central to our community’s rich history: the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889, and the hospital born from the world’s generosity after that great disaster. It is appropriate that the name 1889 Foundation reflects the history and the spirit of giving that created and maintained the Conemaugh Health System for more than a century.
Latest News
Learn more about what’s happening in your region.
Chef Auction to resume in 2022
The Chef Auction is normally held the second Wednesday in October. 1889 Foundation was unable to hold the event in 2020, and will continue our pause through 2021
1889 Foundation funds Laurel Highlands Coaches Clinic, set for July 31
Conemaugh Health System, in collaboration with the 1889 Foundation and Lee Initiatives, will host the Laurel Highlands Coaches Clinic on Saturday, July 31, at the Holiday Inn in
First Responders Enhanced Stop the Bleed Safety Project
The following article appeared in the Somerset County Public Safety Expressor, the quarterly newsletter of the Somerset County Department of Emergency Services. 1889 Foundation is reproducing it here
“Those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.”
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”