Our History of Philanthropy

Since our history of health care began in Roanoke, we have relied on our community’s support. Generous donors, businesses and citizens contributed money and goods to start Roanoke Hospital, which opened in 1900 and came before Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH).

Roanoke Hospital, 1900

In the early days, donation baskets were placed at local grocery stores and markets. The hospital would accept a wide range of donations, from bedding to food.

A formal fund drive was held in 1921 with the goal of raising $150,000 to build the old South Unit of the hospital, which opened in 1924. Soon after, David W. Flickwir paid the entire $100,000 needed to build the North Unit in memory of his late wife, Charlotte Flickwir.

The Roanoke Hospital, 1924, during construction of the Flickwir Memorial Unit

The community came together again in 1950 to raise more than $2 million in three months to expand the hospital further and build a new Burrell Memorial Hospital.

   
L-R: Roanoke Memorial Hospital, late 1950s; Burrell Memorial Hospital

Campaigns for hospitals that are now a part of the Carilion system followed:

• The Lexington-Rockbridge community gave more than $480,000 to fund a new Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1950.
• A 1962 campaign raised more than $3 million from the public and local companies to build Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley.
• Radford businesses and residents raised $325,000 to build a new Radford hospital in 1957 and funded a hospital expansion in 1972.

        
L-R: Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital, 1993, showing the original entrance; Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley, 1967; Radford Community Hospital, 1977

Like many health systems across the country, we operate as a nonprofit organization and depend on the support of donors.

Our Foundation plays an important role by raising awareness of our needs, along with the funding for worthwhile projects. You can learn more about the Carilion Clinic Foundation on their website.