On the eve of International Women’s Day, the Beebe Medical Foundation organized its annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, welcoming over 100 women from Sussex County to honor the vital role of female philanthropy in the community.
The gathering took place at The Clubhouse at Baywood and featured a roster of inspiring speakers who shared personal stories and challenges. The focal point was the “Beebe Goes Purple” initiative, which promotes recovery from addiction and substance use disorders in Sussex County.
Launching the event, Kay Young, Executive Director of Development at Beebe Medical Foundation, expressed appreciation for the influence women hold in philanthropy and healthcare. “There is something truly special about being in a room filled with strong, compassionate and driven women,” Young noted. “Today, we celebrate not just philanthropy, but the power of women coming together to make a difference. Your leadership, generosity and passion have fueled transformative changes at Beebe Healthcare, and we are grateful for your unwavering support.”
Young also emphasized how contributions significantly impact various Beebe Healthcare services, such as the expansion of mobile outreach vehicles, renovations of the catheterization lab, the launch of a new family medicine residency clinic at Long Neck, and support for Beebe Goes Purple.
Lee Ann Wilkinson, Realtor and CEO of The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, delivered a poignant account of her late colleague Garrett King’s struggles with substance use disorder, which ultimately led to his accidental overdose. “I never imagined that someone I worked with every day, who was so successful and dedicated to his work, was silently battling substance use disorder,” Wilkinson remarked. “I hope that by sharing Garrett’s story, we can continue to break the stigma, and drive education, awareness and prevention in our community. Supporting Beebe Goes Purple is one way I can honor his legacy and make a difference for others.”
Over the past four years, initiatives like Beebe Goes Purple have successfully raised over $370,000 for essential resources, Narcan training, mobile health outreach, and increased access to care for those affected by addiction.
Kim Blanch, Community Outreach and Population Health Director at Beebe Healthcare, highlighted the far-reaching effects of community philanthropy. “The power of Beebe Goes Purple is that it’s more than just a fundraising event; it’s a movement,” she stated. “Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to expand the services our mobile outreach team brings directly to the community, break down barriers to care, deliver a truly integrated model of care – behavioral, primary and social care – while providing lifesaving Narcan education and essential items to those in need.” Blanch informed attendees that their impact is set to double by fiscal year 2025, with nearly 3,000 lives touched by the end of February.
The closing remarks were delivered by Gwen Davis, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, a population health nurse practitioner at Beebe Healthcare. “Every person we meet – whether it’s on the mobile health unit, in an emergency department, or in a moment of crisis – deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and care,” Davis asserted. “The support from Beebe Goes Purple allows us to provide not just medical care, but essential resources like tents, first aid kits and personal care items that offer comfort to individuals in desperate need. This is what community-driven philanthropy looks like, neighbors helping neighbors, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
As the event concluded, Young reminded the audience of the ongoing need for philanthropic contributions to tackle health and wellness challenges in Sussex County. “Together, we are making a lasting impact. The power of women in philanthropy is undeniable, and today’s luncheon is a testament to the difference we can make when we come together with purpose and compassion,” she stated.
