Good Samaritan to honor Naperville couple
After suffering three heart attacks within six months and undergoing open heart surgery in 1990, Vince Lovelle considers giving back to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital a last step in the healing process.
In recognition of the time and resources he and his wife, Sandy, have given to the hospital over the years, the Naperville couple will be recognized as the “Good Samaritans of the Year” at the hospital’s major fundraising event.
The couple donated $50,000 for the purchase of pediatric surgical equipment for use in the 14 technologically advanced surgical suites. Vince Lovelle also is a member of the hospital’s Governing Council after having served as chairman of the hospital’s Development Council, a group of community leaders and physicians who volunteer to guide fundraising activities on behalf of Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
He was among a group of hospital leaders who traveled to Washington, D.C., last year to accept the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for 2010, which symbolizes the country’s highest presidential honor for quality and organizational performance excellence.
“You don’t fully appreciate the award until you go (to Washington) and realize this is quite an honor,” Lovelle said. “I tell people all the time how special Good Samaritan Hospital is. The hospital has become great and people need to know that — the community needs to know that.”
Hospital President Dave Fox is thankful for the Lovelles’ generosity.
“Vince and Sandy’s contribution has touched so many lives. We are extremely grateful for their strong involvement in the community and willingness to give back,” Fox said. “Good Samaritan Hospital is pleased to recognize the Lovelles as the ‘Good Samaritans of the Year’ for their outstanding commitment to health and the community.”
With the help of philanthropy, and people like the Lovelles, Good Samaritan Hospital has been able to expand and better accommodate its patients with the latest technology.
“Heath care is improving at a rapid pace,” Vince Lovelle said. “Sandy and I wanted to help Good Samaritan remain state-of-the-art. We are glad we were able to make a large gift to the hospital, but know how important every charitable contribution is — big or small.”
The Lovelles will be recognized at Hollywood Nights, the hospital’s 2013 gala, Oct. 26, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Tickets are $250. Reservations can be made at www.advocatehealth.com/festival.
Proceeds benefit the renovation and modernization of the hospital’s cardiovascular and diagnostic rehabilitation services.