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.”
Lovingood Legacy
Commitment to community and giving back
Local business owners Robert and Melanie Lovingood are passionate about contributing to the greater good of our community. Since the early 1990s, their support of Providence St. Mary Medical Center reflects their dedication to the well-being of our Apple Valley neighbors and friends.
“We were drawn to begin supporting Providence St. Mary when we became aware of the Sisters’ outreach to the underserved,” shares Robert. “We were moved to support their work and the hospital that serves this area.”
Making a difference
The Lovingoods’ professional pursuits reflect their enthusiasm for doing good. Robert’s tenure as San Bernardino County First District Supervisor from 2012 to 2020 speaks volumes about his commitment to public service and community development. His leadership role provided him with a platform to advocate for initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
The couple owns ICR Staffing Services in Victorville, with an office in Tennessee, where they spend part of the year. Melanie serves as the firm’s president, championing the values of respect and dignity for every applicant — a philosophy that resonates deeply with Providence’s core values.
“If it weren’t for this community, we wouldn’t be who we are,” says Melanie. “We believe in giving back and supporting the place we call home. Apple Valley is always our home.”
In recognition and thanks
To recognize their more than three decades of generosity, the Foundation honored the Lovingoods with the prestigious Spirit Award at this year’s Celebration event “Hope Grows Here.” This accolade celebrates their commitment to the medical center’s mission, vision and values.
“We are thrilled to pay tribute to the Lovingoods with the Spirit Award,” says Michael Page, senior director of philanthropy, Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation. “They are lovely, humble people and we are grateful for their years of support.”
Michael adds, “The High Desert community is something special. The Lovingoods are a wonderful example of the many local families committed to supporting Providence St. Mary Medical Center in providing advanced care.”
Please join us in thanking and congratulating Robert and Melanie Lovingood for their extraordinary legacy of generosity!
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…
Coming Together to Support Survivors
Through SART, Providence St. Mary is working alongside law enforcement and others to improve the coordination of services.
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