The Foundation

There are two major trends in healthcare today that put extreme pressure on the operations of not-for-profit healthcare districts. The expense of staying current with advances in technology keeps skyrocketing, just as payments received for the care we deliver keeps plummeting.

So when a need arises that cannot be met by the District’s budget alone, the Foundation reaches out—on behalf of the community—to secure donations that will allow us to purchase the critical equipment and establish the vital patient programs that support everyone’s well-being. Throughout each year, the Foundation receives funds from the generosity of grateful patients, targeted outreach campaigns, local donors, and engaging fundraising events in the community. 

Giving is a powerful act that enriches the lives of those who give and those who receive. And giving to the Northern Inyo Hospital Foundation can make a profound impact by helping to enhance lives. Whether you support us with a charitable gift or participate in one of our events, your generosity makes a difference in the health, well-being, and vitality of so many in our community.

Get in touch

We welcome your input or questions. Please feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Board Members

SECRETARY

Mary Mae Kilpatrick

Mary Mae Kilpatrick is a retired educator. She began her career in education as an elementary school teacher. She retired as Superintendent/Principal of Round Valley Elementary School District. Among the accolades she earned as an educator, Mary Mae was named Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America and was the first mentor teacher approved by the State of California. Many local organizations have benefitted from Mrs. Kilpatrick’s volunteer leadership, including Playhouse 395, the High Sierra Chapter of Sweet Adelines, the Bishop Community Concert Association, the Bishop Friendship Center and the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 118.

Mary Mae is currently the treasurer for the Northern Inyo Healthcare District Board of Directors, representing Zone IV, and she serves as the secretary for the Northern Inyo Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. She and her husband, Chuck, live in Bishop. They have one daughter, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with a third on the way.

treasurer

Heidi Dougherty

Heidi Dougherty was born in Los Angeles and raised by parents who valued community service. It was the inspiration for her life. Heidi graduated from Queen of Angels School of Nursing and worked as an RN for 40 years. She raised her family of four children with her husband of 42 years and has 7 grand children. After working in orthopedics, intensive care, and psychiatric services, Heidi became the Medical-Surgical Floor director.

After retiring in 2005, Heidi and her husband moved to Bishop. She has a strong interest in serving the community and volunteered through the Ombudsman office to assist the elderly. She is active with the Catholic Church as a lector and serves on the Saint Vincent de Paul society. As an art docent for the Elm Street third grade, Heidi presents famous art works to expand third graders horizons and stimulate interest in art. A member of Athena, Heidi has benefited by learning from other members and sharing in presentations about healthcare and the history of the Owens Valley. 

Member

Sarah Freundt

Sarah Freundt is co-owner, along with her husband Dennis, of Bishop’s local Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. She believes in success through service to the community and is an active community volunteer and supporter of local non-profit organizations. A native of California’s Wine Country, she has a unique understanding of the business of tourism and the importance of balancing the wants of our visitors with the business needs of our local community. Sarah believes access to proper health care is vital to a community’s success and is honored to serve on the NIH Foundation board.

MEMBER

Sharon Moore

Sharon Moore was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada, moving to California when she was just 12. She has been married for 54 years to her husband, Jim. They spent their first 34 years together in a home in Whittier, CA where they raised two children: a daughter, Carrie, and a son, Jim. While in Whittier, Sharon worked 24 of those years at one dental office. She started her career there as a dental assistant, later moving up to take over the front desk coverage, as well as training new staff in the front desk duties.

Sharon and Jim moved to Bishop 19 years ago, and Sharon joined the Auxiliary shortly after. She has held a number of roles within the Auxiliary, namely President, Newsletter Chair, Workshop Chair, Boutique Chair, and overseeing the Hospital Library. She currently serves as Treasurer.  Sharon is always working hard to help the Auxiliary raise money to purchase life saving equipment for the Northern Inyo Healthcare District.

MEmber

Cheryl Underhill

Cheryl Underhill was born at Northern Inyo Hospital and moved to Lancaster, California at the age of 8. She returned to the beautiful Owens Valley in 1971. She began working at Northern Inyo Hospital in 1972 and retired at the end of 2019. During the course of her employment, she worked in nursing as a CNA, was the Director of Purchasing, and Director of Community Relations. Cheryl has been married to her husband John for 34 years. Together they have raised three children and have 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She has served on various community boards and organizations in the Owens Valley.

Cheryl is presently serving on the Bishop Chamber of Commerce, Bishop Lions Club, Altrusa, American Legion Auxiliary Post 118, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Friends of the Tri-County Fair, and is a commissioner for the City of Bishop Parks and Recreation. She is also President of the Bishop Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, President of the Eastern Sierra Cancer Alliance, President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8988 Auxiliary, and a founding member of United We Ride. Cheryl is excited to re-join the Northern Inyo Healthcare District Foundation. She looks forward to working hand-in-hand to support the programs, services, and community needs in healthcare.

Member

Pete Watercott

Pete Watercott, who hails from St. Cloud, Minnesota, has been a resident of Bishop and the Eastern Sierra since 1972. Known throughout the Eastern Sierra and beyond as “Fiddlin’ Pete”, he retired in 2008 after 20 years of dedication as the Foodservice Supervisor for the Inyo Mono Area Agency on Aging. Pete has served on both the Foundation Board and the Northern Inyo Healthcare District Board since 1998, and is currently in his fifth term with the District. While on the District Board he played a role in the establishment of the Rural Health Clinic, and was involved in the successful planning and building of the new Northern Inyo Hospital. During his tenure on the Foundation Board he has helped raise funds for the District through the very successful Bishop High Sierra Ultra Marathons.In addition to his work with the Foundation, Pete also serves on the Boards of Directors of The Inyo Council for the Arts and the Laws Railroad Museum. He was honored as The Inyo Register newspaper’s Citizen of the Year in 1994 and the Best Friend of the Packer by the Bishop Mule Days Celebration in 2014.

He and his wife, Kathryn Erickson, make their home in Bishop with their two dogs, two cats, and six chickens.