Louis and Arlene Phillips estate donates $1.1 million to Eau Claire hospitals
Contacts: Shannon Portell, Sacred Heart Hospital, 715-717-1627; Paul Meznarich, Luther Midelfort, 715-838-5805
Eau Claire — The children of Eau Claire native, businessman and philanthropist Louis Phillips presented $1.1 million Tuesday to two hospitals — $550,000 each to Sacred Heart Hospital and Luther Midelfort.
“Our dad and mom, Little Louie and Arlene, were both born and lived their entire lives in Eau Claire,” said daughter Lisa Erickson of Bloomington, Minn., in a statement. “The community was near and dear to their hearts. … My dad did his best to avoid public recognition for anything he did, whether it be wisdom, compliments or funding. The main goal of the donation was to give back to the Eau Claire community and have community leaders work together for the good of the citizens of Eau Claire and its surrounding communities.”
The Phillips’ other daughter, Jan Hasart, and son, Mark Phillips, both of Eau Claire, were also in attendance to present their parents’ gift to Sacred Heart Hospital chief executive officer Steve Ronstrom and Luther Midelfort president/CEO Randall Linton, M.D.
“Louis and Arlene Phillips were passionate supporters of the Eau Claire community, and we are honored to be a recipient of their generosity,” Dr. Linton said. The Phillips’ donation will be used in Luther Midelfort’s With Open Arms building replacement campaign for the Louis and Arlene Phillips Special Care Nursery for newborns needing extended hospitalized care.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the Phillips’ family legacy, and we are most grateful to them for their generous forethought that will benefit generations to come,” Ronstrom said. “The gift will be designated for the Second Century Endowment, establishing the L.L. Phillips Family Fund for Rehabilitation and Therapies, to provide for annual capital and equipment needs.”
Louis died in July 1991 after an extended illness at age 76. Arlene passed away in December 2010. She was 97 years old.
During his life, Louis served as president of Phoenix Steel, Max Phillips and Son scrap processors, Phillips Properties, L.L. Phillips Charities, Chippewa Valley Development, Indianhead Warehouse, and Phillips and Donnellan Inc. He was an officer and director of United Cerebral Palsy Chippewa Valley and director of the Eau Claire County Guidance Clinic and Eau Claire YMCA. He also served 11 years on the Eau Claire Planning Commission.
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