HCHC celebrates 25th anniversary

The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding, fêted current and former Foundation Board members with a reception on Nov. 15 at the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs lobby.

The reception felt more like a family reunion as community leaders gathered to celebrate the successes of the CMF-SS, HCHC Foundation, and the Hospital District.

CEO and President of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Paul Harvey welcomed the group who had gathered around the large, elegant Christmas tree festooning the entrance to the hospital. He provided the group with an update of what new offerings have been added at the hospital as well as a few soon to be available. He also shared the great position the hospital is in as well as the hospital’s on-going commitment to the community. Harvey concluded his comments by sharing his genuine appreciation for the devotion to local health care that those in attendance have.

Maleta Reynolds, chair of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, shared some of last year’s Foundation accomplishments with the attendees. One highlight was the unveiling of Annie’s Room, donated by Leesa and Brian Toliver, which had just occurred in the Medical Plaza. Leesa and Brian have served as Gala chairs, Board member, and frequent volunteers.

The crowd was also informed of the latest happenings at the Hospital District. President Kerry Law shared updates on the new 16,000 square foot building as well as details of the operations of EMS, ambulance services, and other programming the District provides to Hopkins County.

Guests were treated to a table of sumptuous hors d’oeuvres catered by ARAMark Chef Toby Blakley and his Hospital Café staff.

Reminders of the long-standing support of those in attendance were visible at the reception, including a lovely monument and water feature installed in a courtyard which overlooked the refreshments table. It was a 2011 gift from Patsy and Coy Johnson to honor the hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary. Patsy is a former Foundation Board member who attended the reception. The Johnsons have been long-term supporters of the hospital and Foundation.

Additionally, the hospital gift shop, named for Mickie Masters-Barnett, is a prominent feature of the hospital lobby. Her daughter-in-law and son, Rhonda and Chad Young, were also in attendance. They have volunteered in support of the hospital and Foundation through the years as Gala chairs, Board member, event hosts, and fundraisers.

The Foundation Board of Directors is and has always been composed of local volunteers who work to identify and acquire resources necessary to provide a vast array of health care offerings to the citizens of Hopkins County. Because of the work of those who have served on this Board, equipment, technology, and programs not normally available at a hospital located in an area the size of Hopkins County, are available for the benefit of all community members.

To find out more about the Foundation or funding opportunities to support local health care, contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, at 903-438-4799.