Women’s Board of St. Thomas Hospital:
Rich history honored in new home for behavioral health
This story originally appeared in the Fall 2023 edition of Promise magazine.
Dating back to its founding in 1958, the Women’s Board of St. Thomas Hospital has been a shining example of the power of collective philanthropy and committed service. As members have transitioned to supporting the Summa Health System – Akron Campus, they continue to model the very spirit of generosity in both time and treasure.
The group carries on the legacy of caring and compassion established by Sister Mary Ignatia and Dr. Robert Smith (Dr. Bob) for the treatment of alcoholism and other addictive disorders. Recognizing St. Thomas Hospital as a place of spiritual healing, members provided generous support for the remodeling of the Ignatia Hall Chapel and helped fund the chaplaincy program at the Summa Health Behavioral Health Institute.
Historic artifacts from the chapel have recently been moved to the Heritage Center - Honoring the Legacy of St. Thomas Hospital at the Juve Family Behavioral Health Pavilion.
In recognition of the board’s legacy of philanthropy and service, members were honored at the grand opening of the Pavilion on January 13, 2023, with the unveiling of a detailed timeline located just outside The Heritage Center.
Other programs and services supported by members include nursing scholarships, diabetes education, supplies and equipment for orthopedics, pain management, wound care and hospice.
Board president Betsy Clark, who was born at St. Thomas Hospital, said, “It is a privilege and honor that we can continue to make a difference in our community through our commitment to the Women’s Board of St. Thomas.”
In 2019, the Women’s Board of St. Thomas was honored with the Boniface DeRoo Award for Philanthropy.
She pointed out that the group’s fundraising through the years was a labor of love. “These compassionate women have raised more than $6 million for the hospital through numerous fundraisers, including the Gift Shop and Twice as Nice shop, jewelry and uniform sales, and former signature event, A Day at the Races, which was in existence for 50 years.”
“We all just loved St. Thomas Hospital, and we’re glad we can now lend our support to Summa Health’s Akron Campus,” Betsy added.
To learn more about the Women’s Board of St. Thomas Hospital, contact Summa Foundation at 330.375.3159 or foundation@summahealth.org.