Sutter Health Philanthropic Partner Powers Possibilities Across the Greater Central Valley

Sutter's Scott Knight, Jana Rhine and Gino Patrizio, along with Raymus Foundation's Ann Sugar, Alex Sugar and Giovanna Sugar were present to accept the Association of Fundraising Professionals award given to the Raymus Foundation.

Raymus Foundation Works to Transform Healthcare in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties

TRACY, Calif.- Long-standing Sutter Health benefactor, the Antone & Marie Raymus Foundation, has been named Outstanding Community Philanthropist Organization by the Central Valley chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This prestigious honor was celebrated during the 2024 AFP , which recognizes individuals and organizations for their impactful contributions to the nonprofit community.

Since 2020, the Raymus Foundation has awarded more than $5.7 million to Sutter Health, driving innovation and transforming care at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, Sutter Gould Medical Foundation and Sutter's Memorial Medical Center, expanding access to care and possibilities for a healthier tomorrow.

"Philanthropic partners like the Raymus Foundation share our vision to provide world-class care and serve every patient regardless of their circumstances. They truly serve as a beacon of generosity in our region," says Scott Knight, CEO of Sutter Tracy Community Hospital. "The impact of their support sparks creativity among our care teams, driving life-changing innovations that shape the future of medicine."

From 2020-2024, the Raymus Foundation has contributed nearly $1.4 million to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, including a recent $400,000 investment in a robotic surgical system, revolutionizing surgical spine care in the region.

"Thanks to the Raymus Foundation, we can offer state-of-the-art tools for complex surgeries that greatly impact patients' quality of life," says Bayan Aghdasi, M.D., spine surgeon and medical director of surgery at Sutter Tracy. "These advancements also serve as a powerful recruiting tool, attracting highly trained physicians to care for our community."

The Foundation's prior investments have significantly improved the patient experience at Sutter Tracy, including upgrades to the Family Birthing Center, advanced radiology technology, surgical equipment and chest compression machines for the emergency department. At Sutter Gould and Sutter's Memorial Medical Center, their gifts have enhanced cardiology, cancer care, and women's and children's services.

Transforming Lives Through Generosity

The AFP recognition affirms the Raymus Foundation's mission of uplifting Central Valley communities through targeted investments in healthcare. Established in 1989 by Antone and Marie Raymus, the eponymous Foundation builds on their legacy of enhancing the future of the region beyond their real estate developments in Manteca.

Led by its board and Foundation Director, Alex Sugar, the Foundation is Sutter's largest donor in the Central Valley, significantly enhancing healthcare for residents of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

"We are proud to partner with Sutter Health to bring cutting-edge technologies and critical health services to our community," Sugar said. "Our efforts not only help bring top-rated physicians to the area, but also create a future where every patient and family thrives."

The partnership with the Raymus Foundation energizes physicians and staff, empowering them to elevate healthcare in the region.

"We are thrilled to see the Raymus Foundation recognized by the professional philanthropic community," says Jana Rhine, director of philanthropy at Sutter Tracy Community Hospital. "Together, we are writing the next chapter of healthcare, bringing hope, healing and opportunity to our community."

To learn more about supporting healthcare in your community, please contact Jana Rhine at (209) 613-8264 or [email protected], or visit sutterhealth.org/giving.