Stories
We are impacting lives in Orange County everyday with the generous support of donors.
“Our experience at St. Mary’s was great. My son was very happy with his care, which is saying a lot considering he’s an RRT. He was thankful for the care he received.”
Lighting the Way for Our Caregivers
The High Desert buzzed with excitement on April 1, 2023, at the 31st Annual Gala: Lighting the Way for Our Caregivers at a new local venue, The Market @ Town’s End. The event was a huge success raising over $288,000 to assist Providence St. Mary Medical Center in expanding its comprehensive clinical education programs for caregivers.
Proceeds from the Annual Gala will aid current and potential employees by putting widely accessible educational opportunities in place and breaking down financial barriers to education. Providence St. Mary nurse Donessa Cordero, R.N., BSN, who received a scholarship award to help achieve her dream of earning a master’s degree, shared a moving testimonial and expressed her appreciation to guests.
In addition to scholarships, funds raised allow caregivers to broaden their career paths at the medical center through career coaching and mentoring. Additional initiatives include expanding educational programs to attract new talent through clinical rotation and residency programs. Providence St. Mary is also reaching out to high school and community college students with opportunities to get real-life experience in clinical and non-clinical roles at the medical center.
In his remarks, Providence St. Mary Medical Center executive director, operations and interim chief philanthropy officer, John Kozyra, expressed his appreciation to guests for their support. “Your generosity tonight will provide access to clinical education and training programs that create pathways for current and future caregivers to advance their careers at the medical center. Community partnership is helping us to attract and retain the best and brightest caregivers to serve our patients and our community.”
The Foundation also continued a longstanding tradition of presenting the Spirit Award and Heikes Legacy Award to recognize two loyal supporters whose unwavering commitment to our mission has left an everlasting impact on the medical center. Peter Allan was honored with the Spirit Award while Elizabeth Walker received the Heikes Legacy Award for their leadership and passion for the community.
Over 300 guests enjoyed the exciting event, including performances by Apple Valley locals Chelsea Franko and her Little Big Band. Special thanks went to title sponsor, Mortgage Solutions Financial, and all our event sponsors for supporting the event.
Relive the evening’s exciting moments by viewing the event photo album here.
More Stories
A Year of Transformation
“As we plan for the next five years, we know we can count on the community to partner with us…
A Man of Service
For Richard Schmitt, service has always been at the core of his identity. Whether as an Air Force veteran or…
Promoting Community Well-Being
Providence St. Mary Medical Center is significantly improving public health in the High Desert with a groundbreaking $1.2 million grant…
Celebrating Dr. Prashanth Kumar
Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation is proud to honor Prashanth Kumar, M.D., as the 2024 Philanthropy Physician Champion Awards…
Lovingood Legacy
To recognize more than three decades of generosity, the Foundation honored the Lovingoods with the prestigious Spirit Award.
More Stories
Navigating the Cancer Journey
When Jane was diagnosed with breast cancer, Nurse Navigator Angela Acevedo became her advocate, guide and support -- from the initial meeting with the oncologist to the final chemotherapist treatment. I will never forget all the ways Angela helped me through a very difficult time in my life,” reflects Jane.
Read Story
Minutes that make a difference
Michael Lora woke up not knowing he would be fighting for his life later that day. Within hours he was being transported to St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Care Center. He was immediately met by a team of nurses and doctors, including Dr. Peter Smethurst who recommended antibiotics which ended up saving his life.
Read Story
The heart of the matter
“I was a ticking time bomb. A heart attack waiting to happen.” Carrol was informed she needed immediate bypass surgery, but a rare genetic disorder would make it unsafe to perform. That’s when St. Joseph Hospital came through with a new, minimally invasive technique.
Read Story
Giving from the heart and home
Now retired, Drs. Amin decided they were at the right time in their lives to downsize, but more importantly, to give back to the community they cherished in a significant way. Their extraordinary generosity will help fund Nursing Excellence and Behavioral Health.
Read Story
A life devoted to caring
Shirley Moretti, a donor and friend, said it best. “When we focus on others, we learn about ourselves.” Giving back to others was one of her greatest joys in life — it filled her heart and inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Read Story
One of the best ever
More than 300 golfers enjoyed a day that included two 18-hole courses of golf and raised more than $405,000 in support of the St. Joseph Hospital’s Cardiovascular Program.
Read Story
A record-breaking event
Supported by Marsha Moeller and presented by Centaurus Financial, Inc. and The Gooding-Barry and Immell Families, Celebration 2019 raised a record-breaking $676,000 for the Nursing Center of Excellence while celebrating 90 years of healing at St. Joseph Hospital.
Read Story
A Year of Transformation
“As we plan for the next five years, we know we can count on the community to partner with us to provide access to new and improved services,” says Nicole Orr, chief philanthropy officer, Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation.
Share