Hogans Lead Fundraising Into the Future

It was a full-circle moment when Kris Hogan walked through the doors of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in 2007 and was greeted by Marci Zimmerman, a former student as well as a flower girl in their wedding. Kris instantly knew she was where she belonged. “It was just right.”

Kris has a background in special education and taught Marci in preschool. As a child, Marci spent time at Ranken Jordan as a patient, and as an adult became a full-time volunteer in 2004. Marci always had a smile on her face and had her service dog at her side. After Marci’s passing in 2019, Ranken Jordan recognized her with a memorial “Marci’s Way.” 

Kris’s first visit 18 years ago was to spend time with a friend’s son, and her involvement with the hospital quickly deepened. Her husband, Brian Hogan, joined her with a growing dedication, and together, the Hogans have introduced hundreds of people to the Ranken Jordan mission.

Because of the Hogan’s ongoing commitment of time, wisdom, leadership and generous support, they are being honored this year with the Mary Ranken Jordan Service to Children Award. This award recognizes those who selflessly serve Ranken Jordan and the St. Louis community, and by their example, encourages others to do the same. The award also recognizes individuals demonstrating commitment to the ideals and vision established in 1941 by the hospital’s founder, Mary Ranken Jordan.

Transforming Inspiration Into Action

In 2015 Kris joined the board with passion and ideas. In her first year, she organized an inspirational luncheon centered around patient artwork. 

“Because of my background in special education, I was not intimidated walking through the hospital,” Every kid just wants to be a kid. Children thrive at Ranken Jordan. The children have so many medical complexities and I love the way everything can be adapted the individual needs of the child. Nothing is “standard of care” at Ranken Jordan.”

Over the years, the Hogans have attended, sponsored, and led countless events, and donated items to support Ranken Jordan. 

Upon joining the board Kris has played a crucial role in deepening the relationship between the Board and Development team. 

Kris and Brian contribute generous annual support and have been members of Ranken Jordan’s Lewis Wilkins Hyer Society since 2019. In addition, they made a special challenge gift during the pandemic to inspire others to continue support. Kris also serves on the Friends of Ranken Jordan Advisory Council.

“It is very exciting when new people are introduced to the hospital and they in turn become supports of RJ.

In 2019, Kris co-chaired the Beyond Gala and set a new record for fundraising. Her insight and experience has influenced the Gala chair role to raise the bar and attract successful and high-level volunteers in the role. 

Kris is known for her creative thinking and innovative solutions to any project she tackles. One example of this was when she noticed Ranken Jordan’s patient transport vans featured only a single logo.  She saw an opportunity  and suggested the vans could serve as an effective marketing tool.

 Rallying Support for Growth

Brian is equally passionate about Ranken Jordan. As a business owner, he brings business expertise and offers counsel and guidance for Ranken Jordan’s executive leadership. The Hogan’s company has provided corporate support for Ranken Jordan since 2012.

In addition, Brian has introduced friends and advisors to the mission and they have become some of the hospital’s consistent major gift donors. 

“It has been rewarding to help more people learn about Ranken Jordan. This helps the hospital grow so it can offer services to more children. And of because the hospital’s size, our contributions and introductions feel more impactful. Ranken Jordan is a great asset for St. Louis.”

Over the last decade, the Hogans have seen Ranken Jordan evolve, from a new wing built in 2018 to the launch of OZ in 2022.

“That’s been exciting to see,” Kris says. “Overall, the services Ranken Jordan offers to families is unbelievable. The entire family receives education and support so they’re better prepared to transition their loved one from hospital to home.”

Brian looks at Ranken Jordan’s growth as a new opportunity for donor investment. “It’s a deeper, broader and stronger organization now as the hospital has evolved,” he says. “People want to donate to a winning team, which supports a worthy cause.”

Building on a New Foundation

With an eye on opportunities and a vision for the future, the Hogans are leading the growth of Ranken Jordan’s new Foundation as inaugural members of the Board of Trustees. The Foundation, established in 2024 as a more defined fundraising arm, will enhance the hospital’s financial stability, bring those who know Ranken Jordan closer and attract new supporters of the mission.

Brian sees the Foundation as the next logical step in Ranken Jordan’s growth. “Establishing a Foundation is a step to the next level in giving and growth. It’s an opportunity to find more ambassadors in the community for fundraising. We are happy to help shape it, offer guidance, and advance the cause.”

The  Foundation has been many years in the making. “To be at the start of this Foundation and help it grow is very exciting.” 

The Hogans are compelled by Ranken Jordan’s mission to carve out time for the hospital in their busy schedules.

“Ranken Jordan keeps evolving,” they say. That energizes us, so we want to be a part of growing this organization. We want to help move the needle for the next group who comes in after us to help Ranken Jordan continue to grow.”

They say fundraising is more important than ever in order to meet the growing needs of medically complex children, and we are determined to be part of the solution.

“We hope to help Ranken Jordan create a bigger footprint in the community and beyond through philanthropy,” 

Celebrating All Heroes

Kris and Brian are humbled to receive the Mary Ranken Service to Children Award. “To be recognized by the leaders of this well-respected organization is truly meaningful to us,” “It’s an honor to be in such great company of others who have received this award.”