Three Faces of Giving
A Patient Gives Back
Dick Kelley used to drive past St. Tammany Parish Hospital six or eight times a day. The now 79-year-old retiree and Covington resident admits in those days he didn't even notice the hospital.
"I didn't even notice the hospital much until I needed it, and since then I certainly have," Kelley said. "That's the thing about community services like fire departments, police protection and hospitals, you don't want to need them, but they are always there for you when you do."
The New Orleans native has since become a longtime donor and a member of the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.
Connected to Her Community
Amy Gowland is in the business of helping employees learn and grow. The STPH human resources department head gives to STH Foundation through payroll deduction. The focus of her giving? Helping her fellow employees.
Gowland directs donations to STH Foundation's Learning Together Fund, which has supported everything from employee educational fairs and school at work programs to more trainings to enhance the services offered at STPH.
"It's a way to invest in personal growth and professional development that supports the hospital's mission," Gowland said.
A Passion for Art's Healing Power
Jean-Marie Desrosiers is passionate about the power of art to heal.
That passion intersects with charitable giving and volunteer work that extends from his native Haiti to the Northshore, where he supports and volunteers for STH Foundation's Healing Arts Initative and the St. Tammany Hospital Guild.
About five years ago, the retired telecommunications director and his wife Artlette Delcham MD, began Helping Hands Gallery, a virtual gallery that features work by regional artists. The couple directs their share of proceeds from Helping Hands Gallery art sales to STH Foundation and other nonprofits.
"I can't explain the gratification I get from helping another human being," Desrosiers said. "It's powerful to be able to make a difference in the life of even one person."
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