The Friends of Saint Francis presented Saint Francis Medical Center with a $122,000 check during The Friends' annual banquet October 28 to support equipment purchases and construction efforts at Saint Francis. Wayne Smith, Vice President – Development and Administrative Services at Saint Francis, accepted the donation from Susan Vickery, president of The Friends Board of Directors.

"The Friends are thrilled with the results from the two golf tournaments and other fundraising efforts enabling us to benefit the Medical Center," says Vickery. "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 an enormous success.

Of the funds raised, $25,000 will be used to support the construction of the Pediatric Rooftop Garden to be built outside the Children's Center. The other portion, $97,000, will go to benefit the construction of and equipment for the combined Heart Hospital and Cancer Institute, currently in progress.

In addition to the check presentation, The Friends honored its 24th Honorary Lifetime Member, Mary Spell. Spell has been involved at Saint Francis as both an employee and member of the Saint Francis Auxiliary. She retired in 2005 after more than 20 years of service in the Marketing and Public Relations department and Saint Francis Foundation. She returned soon after to dedicate time to the Auxiliary and currently serves as its president. In addition to overseeing the Auxiliary Board of Directors, Spell donates countless hours weekly as a volunteer, assisting both patients and visitors.

Vickery was honored by the Medical Center for serving two consecutive terms (2008 and 2009) as president of The Friends of Saint Francis. Vickery has served on the Board since 2002.

The Saint Francis Foundation named Lisa Newcomer, RRT, CPFT, The Friends Board member and director of the Sleep Disorders Center and Home Medical Services at Saint Francis, Rookie of the Year. This award is given to a new Board member of The Friends who exhibits exemplary leadership skills. Newcomer is the first recipient of the award.