OPENING MORE DOORS:
A REGION UNITED FOR JOEANNA’S HOUSE
Every day, families from across the Southern Interior arrive in Kelowna under the most stressful of circumstances, seeking urgent medical care for a loved one. For them, JoeAnna’s House is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary of comfort, connection, and care; a door held open when they need it most. As the walls of JoeAnna’s House begin to expand, so too does the spirit of community that surrounds it.
Since first opening its doors in 2019, JoeAnna’s House has provided over 27,000 nights of care to more than 1,000 families.
Owned and operated by the KGH Foundation, the house was built thanks to the extraordinary legacy of Joe and Anna Huber, founders of Prestige Hotels & Resorts, and the generous donors who believed in their vision. Built on philanthropy, and sustained entirely through community support, JoeAnna’s House exists to keep families close during life’s most challenging moments.
But demand has far exceeded capacity. With over 950 families turned away last year, the urgency to expand is clear. That’s why the KGH Foundation has committed to adding 10 more rooms, a 50% increase, ensuring we never have to close the door on families in need.
The goal: to raise $5.3 million to ensure more people can stay close to care, and close to family when it matters most.
Leading this effort is the JoeAnna’s House Build Team: Chuck Cullen, Tim Spiegel, and Terry Brown, along with KGH Foundation staff.
Now, the Community Cabinet has stepped in to volunteer their time and help with fundraising. This 14-member team of passionate, local leaders from across sectors; business, philanthropy, healthcare, and tourism, bring a unique perspective and a shared purpose to help more families in crisis find a place to rest, recover, and regroup.
“JoeAnna’s House has always been the community’s house, built and sustained by generosity,” says Carly Malchuk, Director of Community Engagement. “This expansion is only possible because of community champions like our Cabinet members, who are using their voices and networks to open even more doors.”
Together we grow... and open doors
For some, the project hits close to home.
“To see JoeAnna’s House grow is incredibly meaningful,” says Chuck Cullen, a returning Cabinet member and the original build’s Project Manager. “It’s more than a build, it’s community compassion in action.”
While JoeAnna’s House stands in Kelowna, its impact spans the entire region. Over 25% of patients at KGH come from outside the Central Okanagan. More then 80% of JoeAnna’s House guests are from the BC Interior: Kootenays (41%), Thompson Cariboo Shuswap (22%), and the North and South Okanagan (20%). Families arrive for a wide range of urgent medical reasons including (but not limited to) cardiac events, stroke, pediatric care, cancer treatments, and trauma. JoeAnna’s House becomes their home away from home.
Recognizing this shared need, four regional hospital foundations have also stepped forward in support: the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Foundation, South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation, and the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation. Together, they are helping to fundraise, increase awareness, and affirm that JoeAnna’s House is a critical extension of care for families from every corner of the Interior.
This isn’t just a Kelowna initiative, it’s a regional collaboration, one rooted in unity, compassion, and a belief that health care doesn’t stop at city limits. When families from across the Southern Interior stay at JoeAnna’s House, it becomes their home too. This expansion is a shared investment in compassion, and regional health equity.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, community and our regional foundation partners, we’ve taken the first bold steps toward expansion. But to reach our $5.3 million goal, we will need to enlist all our neighbour’s support.
Join us in opening the door for more families, because no one should have to face a medical crisis alone and far from home. To learn more visit joeannashouse.com.
Big White Ski Resort Marketing and Community Team
Led by Michael J. Ballingall, the Big White Ski Resort marketing and community team, Charley, Joe, and Deanne (pictured left), are steadfast supporters of our region and JoeAnna’s House. Through initiatives like Better Together Day and Winter Wonderland, their creativity and generosity help amplify connection, raise awareness, and open more doors for families in need.
Meet the Community Cabinet
ADRIA AUGUST
Adria August is a dedicated community advocate and proud Kelowna resident with a passion for building connection and impact across the Southern Interior. Known for her collaborative spirit and commitment to philanthropy, Adria brings a deep understanding of community needs through her experience at the YMCA of the Southern Interior and current work with the August Family Foundation.
AL HILDEBRANDT
Al Hildebrandt is a Kelowna-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the CIDO Group of Companies and the Valley First UBC Okanagan Foundation. Known for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for health, education, and innovation in the Okanagan, Al brings a wealth of experience and purpose to the JoeAnna’s House Expansion Cabinet. Through both business and philanthropy, Al continues to champion initiatives that keep care and compassion close to home.
BERNIE RYAN
Bernie Ryan is a fierce community advocate known for his decadeslong support of BC Children’s Hospital Balding for Dollars initiative and JoeAnna’s House through his signature event Bands, Beers, BBQ and Balding, while also adding a new event North End Community Day, to his resume. As a Cabinet member, Bernie champions connection, compassion, and the belief that we are truly better together.
MAEGAN MERRIFIELD
Maegan Merrifield is a dedicated in-house volunteer at JoeAnna’s House and a passionate advocate for community care. With a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a history of supporting local organizations, Maegan brings compassion, insight, and warmth to her role on the Expansion Cabinet and beyond.
CHUCK CULLEN
Chuck Cullen, a Gold Seal–certified Project Manager and trades instructor at Okanagan College, served as the project manager for the original build of JoeAnna’s House. Honoured with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Chuck is known for his unwavering passion, generosity, and kind-hearted leadership.
KATHY CONWAY
Kathy Conway, former President and CEO of Interior Savings Credit Union, is a distinguished leader in finance and philanthropy. Known for initiatives like the Day of Difference and co-founding Volinspire (now Do Some Good), she continues to champion community well-being as a KGH Foundation Board Member and JoeAnna’s House Expansion Cabinet member.
CLARE MALLOW
Clare Mallow has been a dedicated Kelowna General Hospital volunteer for over 50 years and a beloved presence at JoeAnna’s House since its opening. As the leader of the volunteer-led Garden Club, Clare’s care and commitment help keep the house, and its gardens, blooming with beauty, warmth, and heartfelt welcome.
STEVEN TUCK
Steven Tuck is a lifelong community builder whose leadership has shaped Kelowna’s philanthropic landscape. As founding president of the Okanagan University College Foundation, he helped establish a $6.5-million endowment. A recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, Steven continues to champion compassionate care as a member of the JoeAnna’s House Expansion Cabinet and an Honorary Lifetime Director on the KGH Foundation Board of Directors.
GAVIN BENSON
Gavin Benson, Managing Partner at Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokers in Kelowna, is a dynamic business leader and community advocate. As a member of the JoeAnna’s House Expansion Cabinet, Gavin brings his professional expertise and commitment to regional well-being.
CAIRY HOLTBY
Cairy Holtby, Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC Dominion Securities, brings a powerful blend of financial insight, philanthropy, and a can-do attitude to the JoeAnna’s House Expansion Cabinet. Known for her commitment to community and compassionate leadership, Cairy is driven to create meaningful impact for families across the Southern Interior.
DARRYL REUTER
Darryl Reuter, founder of the Reuter Kotler Real Estate Team, is a Kelowna REALTOR® with over two decades of experience. A passionate philanthropist, Darryl has supported numerous causes, including JoeAnna’s House. Known for his creative fundraising and extensive network, he exemplifies community spirit and generosity at his core.
FRANCES FARR
Frances Farr is a passionate advocate for volunteerism, known for her boundless energy and active presence across Kelowna. As a member of the JoeAnna’s House Expansion Cabinet, and a familiar face at countless community events, Frances leads with heart, always ready to lend a hand where it’s needed most.
