Annual gala for St. Joe’s raises record $260,000
From Staff Reports November 30, 2012 2:08PM
Beth Hughes (from left), Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center president and CEO; George and Donna Barr and Dr. Theodore and Patricia Kanellakes, Founders Award recipients; and Jeri Madison, chair of the Foundation board of directors.
Updated: January 3, 2013 6:08AM
Fundraising and attendance records were shattered Nov. 3 when the foundation hosted its annual gala for Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
The event was attended by more than 619 guests and raised $260,000, setting new records for the gala, which is in its 19th year.
The medical center’s highest honor, the Founders’ Award, recognized the selfless service and dedication of longtime supporters George and Donna Barr and Dr. Theodore and Patricia Kanellakes.
“The funds raised by the gala will directly impact patient care by benefiting our Nursing Education Fund, which will be used to invest in one of our greatest assets, our nurses,” said Beth Hughes, president and CEO.
“This fund will allow us to provide specialty certifications, workshops and leadership training opportunities to continue elevating our nurses’ education and skills. With advanced opportunities for our nurses, we will continue to provide advanced care to our patients, and continue upon our very important mission of providing hope and healing for our patients.”
The event was co-chaired by Robert and Deborah Filotto of Joliet and Joseph and Julie Kirkeeng of New Lenox.
George and Donna Barr
George Barr is an attorney and president and owner of The Barr Group P.C. Through his real estate development and management business, he has been involved with numerous commercial, industrial, apartment, residential and entertainment complex developments, including the development of Route 66 Raceway and Chicagoland Speedway.
Donna Barr has been involved as a member and past president of the Board of the Joliet Junior Women’s Club. She also served on the board for Easter Seals — Joliet Region and was the recipient of their Volunteer of the Year Award in 1997.
The Barrs were co-chairs of the Jubilate, a fundraiser for Joliet Catholic Academy.
“We are honored to present our 2012 Founders’ Award to George and Donna Barr,” Hughes said. “As thoughtful and dedicated champions of philanthropy for countless years, George and Donna truly personify our mission, vision and values to provide hope and healing to our community.”
Dr. Ted and Patti Kanellakes
“Dr. Ted Kanellakes and his wife Patti have been dedicated advocates and servants to the mission of Saint Joseph Medical Center for many years,” Hughes said.
Recently retired from his highly successful practice as a Joliet-based allergist, Ted had served as chairman of the Department of Medicine and medical staff president. He currently holds the position of co-chair of the Saint Joseph Major Gifts and Planned Gifts Committee.
Patti Kanellakes is a member of the Foundation Board and the current president of the Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center Auxiliary. She has been a direct contributor to many auxiliary initiatives including the Pediatric Red Balloon deliveries and the Healing Garden.
