Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1508232
Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center | 9 Providence St. Mary Donors 'Light the Way' for Caregivers Nearly $300,000 was raised to expand education during annual gala. M ore than 300 guests attended the Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation's 31st annual gala earlier this year and raised crucial funds to assist in the expansion of the hospital's clinical education programs. The April 1 event, dubbed "Lighting the Way for Our Caregivers," took place at the Market @ Town's End in Apple Valley 's Village, and raised more than $288,000. Proceeds from the gala will aid current and potential St. Mary employees by putting widely accessible educational opportunities in place and breaking down financial barriers to education. "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," said John Kozyra, executive director of operations and former chief philanthropy officer for St. Mary. "Community partnership is helping us to attract and retain the best and brightest caregivers to serve our patients and our community." During the gala, St. Mary nurse Donessa Cordero, RN, received a scholarship award to help her achieve her dream of earning a master 's degree. Cordero shared a moving testimonial and expressed her appreciation to the crowd of supporters. In addition to scholarships, funds raised allow caregivers to broaden their career paths at St. Mary through career coaching and mentoring. Additional initiatives include expanding educational programs to attract new talent through clinical rotation and residency programs. The hospital is also reaching out to high school and community college students with opportunities to get real-life experience in clinical and nonclinical roles. Meanwhile, the foundation continued a long-standing tradition of presenting the Spirit and Heikes Legacy awards, which recognize two loyal St. Mary supporters whose unwavering commitment to our mission has left a lasting impact on the hospital. For their leadership and passion for the High Desert community, Peter Allan was honored with the Spirit Award, while Elizabeth Walker received the Heikes Legacy Award. Visit supportstmaryfoundation.org to learn about the ways you can support Providence St. Mary Medical Center.