Letter From the President
Every generation faces unique challenges, and from those challenges creates a legacy by rising to the occasion. Whether it is defending freedom with a legacy of bravery and heroism or recognizing the needs of those around us, one person can make a difference, and surely our responses define our legacy.
Most of us at the end of the year look back to see what we have done and then create New Year’s resolutions that serve to motivate us to reach new goals. Similar to personal goals, as we reflect on the past year we see what has been accomplished and still identify opportunities that lie ahead. A shining success story rests with our nine community foundation boards. We celebrate the growth of these boards, recognizing that last year they raised approximately $280,000. Since their formation two years ago, more than $480,000 has been raised to benefit the health care needs of their communities. This is an amazing accomplishment that has had a significant impact.
Through individual and corporate donations along with the proceeds from last year’s Dragon Boat event, the HeartCoach was purchased. In the first 6 months of 2011, the HeartCoach has provided screenings for 2,721 attendees brought together through 9 businesses, 10 churches, 9 health clinics, 10 organizations and schools in Russell, Dickenson and Smyth counties in Virginia, the Johnson City School System, and several MSHA facilities.
We saw our team members give at historic levels, donating $200,000 to the various funds supported through the Foundation. In addition, they stepped up and gave more than $9,000 to the April storm victims and participated in events that raised additional funds for patient needs, all with great enthusiasm and caring.
Our Signature Events continue to bring stunning successes with the car raffle, Spirit Gala and the Golf Classic reaching new heights of success. Everything we do is for patients and their families as they face health challenges. The dollars raised from these events transform the patient experience by providing much-needed equipment, programs and services in a meaningful way.
We are totally committed to the health of this region we are blessed to call “home.” As you have partnered with us, you are often affecting your friends, neighbors and family. Whether you are paddling in the Dragon Boat festival or participating in a bike ride, walk or run, softball tournament, golf, galas, radio auctions, and countless other ways to raise money, I hope you will take the time to see in this report the results of your efforts.
It is a privilege to partner with you. As donors and volunteers, I hope you have a sense of accomplishment in knowing that you are making a difference. Surely, there is no finer investment in life than to give to others of our time, talents, resources and energy. We are honored by your gifts and look ahead to the goals of this year, embrace our challenges, and leave a legacy to the next generation that will inspire and shine forth as a path others want to follow.
Sincerely,
We look forward to next year, knowing that together we make a difference!