From mortician to fundraiser: Meet Taylor Bauer

Taylor Bauer flies solo at CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington Foundation in Carrington, North Dakota. CHI St. Alexius operates 6 Critical Access Hospitals throughout the state, of which Carrington is one.

As the only foundation team member at a small hospital, “wearing several hats” is an understatement. Yet, that’s part of what she loves about her work: the ability to connect in different ways with her tight-knit community, ensuring that the people she loves have the care they need. As Taylor shares below, it’s deeply personal. Learn what led her from mortuary science to philanthropy — and the tangible impact that keeps her right where she is.

Can you share your path to healthcare philanthropy?

My path to healthcare philanthropy is a little different, as I started my career as a mortician. I loved the fast pace — but more than anything, it touched my heart knowing I was helping families through one of the hardest times in their lives. When the opportunity came up to move into healthcare philanthropy, I realized I could continue doing that in a different way. Now, I get to see the smiles on patients’ faces and see firsthand how the work we do makes a difference in my community and rural area. Both careers have given me the opportunity to be there for families during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives, just in very different ways. I never expected my career to come full circle this way, but I feel lucky that I still get to do what I love: helping people when they need it most.

What is unique about the Carrington community, and how does that impact your fundraising efforts?

What makes Carrington unique is that it is filled with multi-generational families who choose to return and serve the place where they grew up, knowing just how special it is. When we receive a donation, I know it stems from an appreciation for our hospital as a vital lifeline in our rural area. Fundraising here is personal because everyone knows everyone. It’s my third-grade teacher, it’s the pastor from the town over or the rancher who has cattle next to my house. We aren’t just asking for donations from strangers; we’re talking to people we know, whose families have been cared for here and who understand how important it is to keep our hospital strong. That personal connection is what makes fundraising in Carrington so special.

Why is philanthropy important for a Critical Access Hospital like CHI St. Alexius Health Carrington? What has philanthropy allowed the hospital to achieve?

Philanthropy is important because it allows us to give back to a community that supports us. I want those who support us to see firsthand the difference their donations are making right here in Carrington. To know that someday, it could be them or someone in their family who needs that ventilator they helped purchase. Philanthropy has given our hospital many opportunities. Opportunities to care for more patients, giving our patients another chance, and providing staff with opportunities to learn and grow.

Someone once asked me if it wears on me asking people for money all the time. My response was: Not at all! When you truly believe in what you’re asking people to support, it’s easy to get behind the purpose. I believe in our hospital and how important it is to our community. These are our neighbors, friends and family, and I want to make sure they have access to the care they need, especially when they need it most.

What words of wisdom would you share with other small/solo foundations like yours?

Don’t get comfortable. Always be looking for new ideas that fit within your community/local area, new ways to connect with your service areas and new opportunities to make a difference. Working in a small foundation, you wear a lot of hats, and sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks. But you have to keep reminding yourself why you’re doing it and never lose sight of the bigger picture. Build relationships, get to know your donors and make sure they see the impact they’re having.

On a personal note, what are you most looking forward to as the weather cools off?

Honestly, I’m looking forward to life slowing down a little bit! In North Dakota, we try to pack as much as we can into the warm months, between birthday parties, family vacations, weddings, baby showers, etc. I’m looking forward to having more weekends at home, curled up under a cozy blanket with my husband and dogs, sipping hot apple cider, watching a good movie. Sometimes it’s nice to have an excuse to slow down, enjoy being home and just spend some quality time together as the snow starts to fly!

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