The Friends of Saint Francis Present $175,000 to Medical Center

The Friends of Saint Francis presented Saint Francis Medical Center with $175,000 during The Friends’ annual banquet to support the construction of the Pediatric Rooftop Garden at Saint Francis. Linda Decker, executive director of Saint Francis Foundation, accepted the donation from Michele Litzelfelner, president of The Friends Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled with the results from the two golf tournaments and other fundraising efforts enabling us to benefit the Medical Center,” says Litzelfelner. “Everyone worked very hard this year, and that support paid off.”

Both the Ken Hayden Memorial Golf Tournament and The Friends Benefit Golf Tournament drew more golfers and sponsors than ever before, making both events very successful. Funds raised will be used to support the construction of the Pediatric Rooftop Garden outside Saint Francis’ Children’s Center.

Originally suggested by a surgeon, the Medical Center is building a rooftop garden just outside of the Children’s Center. “The Pediatric Rooftop Garden is a way for children and their families to relieve or lower stress during hospitalization,” says Linda Decker, executive director of Saint Francis Foundation. “Sometimes, clinical sights and sounds can become overwhelming, and a place to go that is removed from them is very important. Also, there is often a lot of time to fill during hospitalizations, and listening to birds, looking at trees and flowers, or even just staring at the clouds and sky can bring a welcome, healing distraction,” she says.

The Friends assists Saint Francis Foundation in providing services and financial assistance to the Medical Center. Formally organized in 1975, The Friends offers unique fund-raising events that have enabled it to donate more than $1.85 million in support of the Medical Center. The Friends Board is composed of people from the community and employees who are committed to serving the Medical Center in an active way.

 

Michele Litzelfelner, (right), president of The Friends of Saint Francis Board of Directors, presents Linda Decker, executive director of Saint Francis Foundation, with a $175,000 check from The Friends.