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Foundation Names Philanthropists of the Year for 2008
April 27, 2009
Members of the Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation’s 1914 Society, Morrell Society and Bridge Builders Society enjoyed an evening of southern hospitality on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at the home of Mary & Joe Mawhinney. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Philanthropist of the Year” award for 2008 to Chuck and Connie Bovay by Hunt & Mary Berryman, recipients of the special recognition in 2007.
The Bovays have been loyal supporters of the hospital, with giving that dates back to 1986. The Bovays are also members of the Foundation’s Bridge Builder Society - a special group of donors who have made or arranged for gifts through their estates.
In addition to their gifts, the Bovays were recognized for the generous volunteer commitments they have made to Lakeland Regional. Mr. Bovay is a former hospital board member (1990-1996) and hospital board chair (1996) as well as a current Foundation board member (2000-2009) and past Foundation board chair (2006). Mrs. Bovay was one of the original steering committee members for the hospital’s Victorian Tea and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Giving Society.
According to Ken Menefee, Foundation Executive Director, “What’s special about Chuck and Connie Bovay is the level at which they commit themselves as volunteers, not just to the hospital but to numerous organizations. There are so many community groups in Lakeland that would name Chuck and Connie Bovay as integral members of their organizations such as the Imperial Symphony, Central Florida Speech and Hearing, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine and the Florida House. They both have gone above and beyond just attending meetings and offering help. They are philanthropic leaders with true hearts for improving their community.”
A word from Chuck & Connie:
“The honor that the LRMC Foundation bestowed upon us was one of the biggest and nicest surprises we have ever received! Supporting our community with time, talent and
resources began early in our marriage. We have both taught sunday school classes and have been active in our church; volunteered in the PTA when our children were young and have served on city, county and state level boards. One area leads to another area and serving others becomes a life-style. Our commitment to LRMC and the LRMC Foundation has been a remarkable experience and opportunity for us both. Volunteering to help within the Foundation continues what others before us have done for this outstanding facility.”
“We participate for the difference it makes to others, not for personal rewards. The "reward" is in the knowledge that comes with helping to make our community a better place to spend our lives.
We "thank" those persons responsible for giving us this recognition.”
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