Foglias, Paddock Publications honored for contributions to Alexian Brothers
Some of the largest donors to the Amita Health and the Alexian Brothers Health System Foundation got to meet and hear from the people who have been helped by their contributions during the organization's annual meeting and recognition ceremony on Monday night.
Donors of various levels were recognized, including Paddock Publications, and Vince and Patricia Foglia were honored with the foundation's Philanthropist of the Year award for their sizable contributions to the hospital system during the ceremony held at Maggiano's in Schaumburg.
"It's an honor to be honored, no question," said Vince Foglia, chairman and CEO of Cary-based Sage Products, Inc., a health care supplies manufacturer and developer. Foglia and his wife, of North Barrington, have been large donors to the hospital system for years and their contributions have helped start an autism support program, fund the community mental health center, and more, said Mark Frey president and CEO of Alexian Brothers Health System.
"Without support from our donors we would not be able to do all the great work that we do," Frey said.
The Foglias were treated to a video filled with formerly homeless people, autistic children and their parents and patients at Alexian Brothers' behavioral health clinics all thanking the couple for helping them change and improve their lives.
"Because of you, I'm not homeless anymore," said one man on the video.
Several of the people thanking the Foglias on the screen were then at the awards banquet to present the couple with a photo of a road, symbolizing the road to recovery they have helped make possible for patients at Alexian Brothers.
"Now we can put faces on the help we have given," Foglia said. "How heartwarming to have all of you here."
"I've always felt a kinship to the Alexian Brothers and the devotion they have to helping people," Foglia said. "What are we doing here if we can't give back."
Paddock Publications was also honored with the Gold Christ the Healer award, which is for individuals or corporations that have donated at least $25,000 to the hospital system. Eileen Brown, assistant vice president and director of strategic marketing and innovation at the Daily Herald, accepted the award on the company's behalf.
"Alexian Brothers is a great partner," Brown said. "We value what they contribute to the community and we're proud to be able to work with them." Other people and groups were recognized for donation levels of $50,000, $100,000, $250,000, $500,000 and $1 million.
Adventist Midwest Health and Alexian Brothers Health System integrated earlier this year to create Amita Health, the third-largest health system in Illinois.