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Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation Honors Leadership, Compassion And Philanthropy With Annual Awards

Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation honors leadership, compassion and philanthropy with annual awards

http://www.gmcgiving.org/foundation/gwinnett-medical-center-foundation

 

Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation honors leadership, compassion and philanthropy with annual awards

 

The Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) Foundation hosted its 12th annual Cornerstone Society Gala Feb. 15 at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth.

 

More than 800 people attended the event, which celebrates the individuals and organizations which support the Foundation all year long.

 

Dr. Carlton Buchanan, chairman of the GMC Foundation, gave an update on the Foundation’s Next Generation of Health Care Campaign. The Foundation has surpassed its $30 million goal almost a year early, with more than $43 million raised so far.

 

“Our success is the direct result of tremendous generosity and a collective commitment to impact the patient experience at Northside Hospital in Gwinnett,” said Jason Chandler, president of the GMC Foundation. “It is our privilege each year to recognize the leadership, compassion and philanthropy of our employees, physicians, donors and volunteers.”

 

This year’s gala spotlighted four special people who have made significant contributions to the health care community.

 

The Desai Compassionate Care Award is given to a Northside Hospital employee for contributions to compassionate patient care. Susan Gaunt, stroke program coordinator at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, was the recipient, honored for her 36 years of service at the hospital.

 

“Susan dedicates every part of her professional life and even her personal life to the care of stroke patients,” said Erica Reilly, clinical manager of the Center of Neuroscience and Spine at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. “Her dedication is unmatched.”

 

The GMC Foundation’s Physician Champion Award recognizes an exceptional physician, who specifically champions the fundraising efforts of the Foundation in support of the mission of the hospital system. Dr. Kimberly Hutcherson, radiologist with North Metro Radiology Associates and member of the GMC Foundation Board of Directors, is the 2020 recipient of the award.

“Dr. Hutcherson has been very impactful by helping us with Paint Gwinnett Pink; she has never hesitated to help in any way she can and has supported the event every year since we started five years ago,” said Jennifer Griffin, oncology community outreach navigator, Northside Hospital Gwinnett. “She will be remembered for all of the great things she has done for our hospital system. As the recipient of the Physicians Champion award, it is well deserved.”

 

  1. Michael Levengood received theDistinguished Service Award, which honors an individual who has consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication and service to Northside Hospital and the Gwinnett community through the donation of their wealth, work and wisdom.

 

Levengood is an attorney in Lawrenceville and was chairman of the Gwinnett Health System Board of Directors leading up to the health system’s merger with Northside Hospital in August 2019.

 

“[Levengood’s] footprints are all over Gwinnett County in so many ways, but his signature is on the health care system and his signature is on our Foundation, and his legacy is through all of the lives that he has impacted through all of his points of service,” said David McCleskey, GMC Foundation board member.

 

The Legacy Award was presented to GMC Foundation Board Member Cliff Clark as a tribute to his leadership, time and resources to create a lasting impact on patients and their families.

 

Clark has made a commitment to education in Gwinnett County and at Northside Hospital Gwinnett through the launch of the hospital’s Sports Medicine & Concussion Care-a-Van two years ago, as well as his support of the hospital’s patient simulation center in memory of his late wife, Diane.

 

“When I think of Cliff Clark I think of intent and purpose,” said Paige Havens, vice chair of the GMC Foundation. “When we first started talking with Cliff about our vision for the Concussion Care-a-Van, he caught it right away and he really had an excitement because he saw that we had an opportunity to do something first.”

 

Since 1989, the GMC Foundation has raised more than $70 million to fund programs, services and capital expansion projects at Northside Hospital Gwinnett and Northside Hospital Duluth.  Philanthropic contributions made to the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation are committed to programs and services in Gwinnett County. For more information about the GMC Foundation, visit gmcgiving.org.

 

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