Executive Director David Polakowski joins us to discuss the Harding-Buller Foundation of Worthington (OH).
The history of the Harding Hospital and Harding-Buller Foundation
The episode delves into the history of Harding Hospital. It was founded in the 1920s to provide healthcare services to physicians and medical staff. The Harding family emphasized a holistic approach to healthcare. This incorporated alternative therapies such as horticulture, music, and art therapy as early as 1939.
What sets the Harding family apart is their emphasis on plant-based nutrition and wellness practices. Mary Virginia Woolley Harding was an early promoter of vegetarianism and helped to start the Worthington Garden Club. She served as its president from 1933 to 1935.
David Polakowski talks about the Harding family’s contribution to plant-based nutrition with the founding of Worthington Foods. The company grew to become a staple until 1999, while expanding opportunities for vegetarians and those seeking alternatives to animal products.
The Harding family continued to emphasize wellness practices and lasting foundations that support wellness programs. The Harding-Buller Foundation is one such organization. David discusses his experience helping to create purpose, structure, and sustainability for the foundation. One of their plans is to turn the site into a horticulture therapy center with a meditation labyrinth and gardens.
“One of my plans with this property is creating a meditation labyrinth, creating meditation gardens, using this site truly as a community to come. And you just have those simple things, those simple sayings to encourage positive mental health and partnering potentially with students.”
David Polakowski
What The Harding-Buller Foundation Funds
The Harding-Buller Foundation now has different funds. These include a mental health fund, a nutritional wellness fund, and a horticulture program fund. The Foundation is building relationships with the nearby Kemper House and Worthington’s Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church corporation was founded by the Hardings and became a part of the foundation in 2018.
The Kellogg Foundation was critical in higher education and dealing with issues in universities across the country. It is fascinating to learn the family’s connection to the Kellogg Corporation.
We explore the Harding family’s approach to wellness and spirituality. Spirituality is synonymous with wellness and encompasses different areas, including religion and mind, body, and soul. The new mission of the Harding-Buller Foundation is to empower individuals to live a spiritual, holistic, and healthy lifestyle.
The episode is important for two reasons. First, it promotes cultural, spiritual, and social well-being. Second, it promotes the Hardings’ practice of incorporating alternative therapies and non-medical treatments for wellness.
David provides interesting insights into the history of the Harding family’s wellness practices and the creation of the Harding-Buller Foundation. As such, this episode serves as an invaluable resource for all those interested in spiritual, holistic, and healthy living.
The Importance Of A Healthy Lifestyle
Critical factors to maintaining a healthy lifestyle include plant-based nutrition and alternative wellness therapies, especially during times of uncertainty. The Foundation’s new mission aims at empowering individuals to achieve an overall health and wellness approach to life. The Harding-Buller Foundation’s mission aligns with the World Health Organization’s definition of health. “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The hard work of the Harding family in promoting plant-based nutrition, alternative therapies, and an overall wellness approach to life provides inspiration for all. The Harding-Buller Foundation is continuing the vision of the Harding family. It is essential to learn and understand the foundation’s mission and continue to promote it in our daily lives.
Here is a list of resources mentioned in the podcast.
