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Our Story

About the RUHS Foundation

RUHS Foundation was established in 1989 as a nonprofit philanthropic organization. For nearly three decades the Foundation has collaborated successfully with donors and stakeholders to support RUHS Medical Center’s role as a public teaching hospital and safety net provider. Our founders were inspired by the medical center’s work with kids, particularly in the area of child abuse and neglect, and over the years that commitment has grown and evolved to include much more. RUHS Foundation is proud to support RUHS Behavioral Health and Public Health agencies and the system’s 14 community-based health clinics with a goal of serving and safeguarding the county’s 2.35 million residents.

"The mission of RUHS Foundation is to foster friends and inspire philanthropic support for the needs of Riverside University Health System."

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Meet Our Team

For three decades RUHS Foundation has supported the vital mission of saving lives and improving the health of our communities. We have big plans for the future and they include YOU!

Berangere Robertson-Tucker

Director of Operations

Working with the Foundation, donors, volunteers, and employees to help support the mission, vision, and values of RUHS is very inspiring and rewarding. I truly believe that we can make a difference in the lives of others and our community by giving back and contributing our time, resources, and talents. “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ― Maya Angelou

Corinne Awad

Director of Development

A strong community is a community with compassion. I am honored to work at RUHS Foundation that has a compassionate mission, caring work, and giving volunteers. Together we can make a difference in our communities.

Lisa Walcker

Director of Development

I’m passionate about ensuring children are safe, secure, able to thrive and have paths forward to productive outcomes. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to serve Riverside County’s families and children for more than 25 years and my role at RUHF provides a bridge between DPSS and our compassionate and generous donors who support the Foundation’s work with our most sensitive populations. Together we can make a difference in a child’s life and affect better outcomes in our local community!

Denise Desirello

Development Officer

I’m proud to work with such a great group of dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members focused on the mission of helping others.

Salynn Simon

Development Officer

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe That we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie

Desiree Quijano

Admin. Services Analyst II

It’s disheartening to focus on all the wounds that need healing, all the brokenness that needs fixing, the whole world that needs changing. But living with compassion, loving people as they are, and intentionally trying to make someone’s day a little more beautiful? That I can do.

Selene Duran

Admin. Services Analyst II

I’m blessed to be part of the RUHS Foundation team and the opportunity to work with an amazing and generous donors, board members and grantors. “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” – Booker T. Washington

Linda Tra

Community Relations Coordinator

I truly enjoy being a part of RUHS Foundation because I get to work with amazing donors and volunteers who give generously to support our community.

Livia Martinez

Secretary

I enjoy working for the Foundation because I like connecting people who want to give with people in need. “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington

Board Members

  • Jamil Dada, Board Chair
  • Mike Marlatt, Vice Chair
  • Michael Vanderpool, Treasurer
  • Kathryn Hwang, Secretary
  • Kerry Pendergast, Immediate Past President
  • Marion Ashley
  • Mary Ashley
  • Iddo Benzeevi
  • Virginia Blumenthal
  • Judy Carpenter
  • Alexandra Clark, M.D.
  • Jennifer Cruikshank
  • Brian Eichenberg, M.D.
  • Kathleen Hartman
  • Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D.
  • Donna Knox
  • Lakshman Koka
  • Erick Montano
  • Jonelle Morris
  • Marissa Peterson
  • Jeremey Shumaker
  • Arnold Tabuenca, M.D.
  • Kristin Varner
  • Helga Wolf