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April 2023

Friends,

With the advent of spring comes the advent of the growing season, and this is certainly the case at Pardee Hospital Foundation! In this edition of Vital Signs you will meet two new vibrant additions to the Foundation staff, as our internal team grows in preparation for the work at hand. 

We’re also inspired by the growing generosity within our community, with a special salute below to one local family who recently established a legacy gift that provides continuing education opportunities for nurses.

You’ll see more change in the air this month with the announcement of a new name for our benefitting organization, UNC Health Pardee, as well as a new logo that represents the innovative and dedicated system of healthcare that Pardee is so well known for. 

Finally, we’re planting new seeds as momentum picks up for our Gala on Saturday, June 3, where we will celebrate the Philanthropist and Physician of the Year. Read on to see how you can nominate your favorite doctor as a candidate for this prestigious award, whose announcement is only weeks away!

Happy Spring,

Amy Treece

Executive Director

Local Family Honors Their Father’s Legacy

Charles Waters, a Hendersonville attorney for 48 years, was a long-time friend and former member of the UNC Health Pardee board of directors. His connections to Pardee were personal too, as this was the place where all three of his children were born and where he later became a patient, receiving cancer treatment from the medical institution he supported as a board leader.

So it was no surprise when Mr. Waters passed away last fall that his children chose to honor his legacy with an enduring gift that celebrates the oncology nurses who were a critical part of their father’s experience during his end-of-life care. The newly established Charles Waters Memorial Fund will help oncology nurses obtain certifications to advance their careers and improve the care they provide for cancer patients at UNC Health Pardee.  

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how you can honor your loved ones, like the Waters family did, with a gift to the Pardee Hospital Foundation.  

New Team Members Bolster Foundation’s Capacity in Growth and Development

Join us in welcoming two new additions to the Pardee Hospital Foundation staff team.

Melissa Witmeier will serve the organization as Development Director, overseeing all aspects of giving with a special emphasis on major gifts and capacity building for the future of UNC Health Pardee. Witmeier joins Pardee Hospital Foundation after serving for the last year as the executive director at the Henderson County Council on Aging. Prior to that, she was vice president of grant strategies with the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council in Jacksonville, Florida, increasing grant revenue by over 25 percent during her tenure. Witmeier’s experience also includes five years leading the district office of the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Tallahassee, Florida, where she increased revenue through new annual golf tournaments, events and sponsorships by $1 million.

Sarah Swartz will support Witmeier with work in the areas of annual giving and special events. Sarah brings over 25 years of health and marketing experience to her new role and is excited to return to Hendersonville after spending a year in Greenville, South Carolina, as studio administrator for Southern Om Hot Yoga. Previously, Sarah managed marketing and communications efforts and the Women United affinity program at United Way of Henderson County from 2019 until 2022.

Melissa and Sarah bring a wealth of experience, focus and commitment that fuels the Foundation’s mission of advancing community health and well-being through prevention and treatment at UNC Health Pardee.

Pardee Announces Name Change, New Logo

Pardee UNC Healthcare is now UNC Health Pardee

In alignment with the UNC Health system, Pardee UNC Health Care has changed its name to UNC Health Pardee and will debut a new logo in support of this name change. 

While the UNC Health system introduced its rebrand in February 2020, the process was put on hold because of the pandemic. This new identity is now rolling out to affiliate hospitals. The healthcare system will keep local governance, fiduciary responsibility and decision-making while maintaining a partnership affiliation with the UNC Health system. 

“We will remain a locally-owned healthcare authority with local governance and decision-making through our Board of Directors and Henderson County Commissioners, who live and work in this community,” said Jay Kirby, President and CEO, UNC Health Pardee. “The rebrand will look a little different to our community, but it does not change our commitment to serving our community and providing high-quality care to our patients and their families.”

Now Accepting Nominations for Prestigious Physician of the Year Award

Pardee Hospital Foundation is accepting nominations for UNC Health Pardee’s 2023 Physician of the Year award. This award is presented annually to recognize a physician whose career has been defined by medical excellence, dedication to compassionate patient care, and a commitment to improving the lives of countless people throughout our community. The award seeks to identify and recognize one multi-accomplished physician who has enriched the field of medicine and demonstrated a love of their profession.

To nominate a deserving physician, fill out the nomination form at the link below. 

Don’t delay — the deadline to nominate is April 15!

Pictured above: First Citizens Bank vice president Nicola Barksdale (left) presents the 2022 Physician of the Year Award to Dr. Jennifer McAlister (right).

Save the Date for the Annual Gala at Blue Ridge Community College on Saturday, June 3!

This highly anticipated, black tie affair features a gourmet dinner, live entertainment, dancing and silent auction. Tickets are $200 each and we’re excited to announce that proceeds from the event will help support Pardee’s growing cardiology program. In addition, the Foundation honors the Philanthropist and Physician of the Year, as well as celebrating your contributions in support of UNC Health Pardee.

Tickets sell out fast — click below to purchase yours today!

Gala Sponsorships Available for 2023

The Pardee Hospital Foundation is currently accepting event sponsors for the 2023 Gala who, in addition to supporting UNC Health Pardee, receive numerous marketing benefits and event perks. 

Diamond, Platinum and Gold Sponsors are prominently featured at the event and promoted throughout the community. Silver and Bronze Sponsors are thoughtfully recognized as well, and all sponsors receive event tickets to share with their guests. Most importantly, our sponsors help to fill critical needs for UNC Health Pardee and the people in our community who depend on the hospital’s state-of-the-art care.