Message from the Past President and Executive Director

We are pleased to report that 2007 was a busy and productive year at the Thomas Foundation. The three primary fundraising events, the golf tournament, walk/run and gala, resulted in a twenty-four percent increase over 2006. Special thanks go to Gary Sims, Jr. and Brian Sims, owners of Advanced Technical Solutions LLC, as signature sponsor of the annual Golf Tournament and the Charity Auction & Gala and Federal Coal Company, signature sponsor of the Walk/Run. Through these special events, gifts from donors and campaigns, we were able to expand the number of projects and programs that have a positive impact on the health and well being of those who live in our community.

Numerous on-going projects such as the Infant Car Seat Program continue to be a favorite of donors. Since 1999, more than 6,000 car seats have been provided to families of babies born at Thomas. The Baby Bed Project, funded by the Segal & Davis Foundation, continues to save lives of newborns by providing beds to families that cannot afford them. The annual Children’s Health & Safety Fair had a record 1,400 attendees where 600 bicycle helmets were given to children. The Stroke Prevention Fair provides free screenings to the public and it is not uncommon for high-risk individuals to be sent directly to the Emergency Center. We know that we are saving lives and making a difference in the quality of life of many through these projects and many others identified later in this report.

During 2007, the Thomas Foundation provided more than $27,000 for 45 educational scholarships to full-time hospital employees who are increasing their knowledge and skills which translate to quality care for patients. We commend each employee for their dedication and commitment and thank donors for creating educational endowments that make it possible for them to continue their education.

The Professional Advisory Committee was busy throughout the year with two seminars that educated physicians and their spouses on ways to maximize charitable giving while minimizing tax liabilities. A subcommittee held several events to attract professional women in the community to introduce them to the work of the Foundation and the opportunity for them to network in the community. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to holding more events in 2008.

As we close out one year and enter in to a new one, we are excited about plans for the much needed expansion at Thomas Hospital. With the growth of the Emergency Center built in 2001 and, with the addition of new physicians (22 in 2007), there is an on-going shortage of in-patient hospital beds and increased wait for surgeries to be performed. The new Clinical Pavilion will add four surgical suites, 96 private patient rooms and provide a new Obstetrics floor including a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. All existing semi-private rooms in the hospital will be converted to private rooms. This expansion supports the efforts of Thomas Hospital to provide exceptional medicine, everyday. The Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation board and staff are pleased to support these efforts.

We are honored to have each of you with us on our journey and quest to make a difference in our community. Blessings to all of you, our “Quiet Heroes”, in 2008.

John Neuner, Immediate Past President

Sandy C. Zando. Executive Diretor