Why I Give: Lisa Garner
Lisa Garner is a member of the CalvertHealth Foundation Board of Trustees and serves as Co-Chair of the foundation’s signature benefit event, the CalvertHealth Foundation Gala. Lisa became a supporter of the foundation in 2013 as she attended a performance of the Spotlight Music Series with her friend and now fellow board member, Maria Lubrano. “Maria and Sal Lubrano are very passionate about supporting the hospital and I was happy to join them when they invited me to come to a Spotlight performance. I was impressed with the event and the cause touched me – that night I became a very proud supporter of CalvertHealth and knew that I wanted to do more.”
Since 2013, Lisa and her husband Steve have been very generous to the hospital’s foundation. Lisa assumed a leadership role with the organization in 2015 as she joined the Board of Trustees. “I recall one incident recently when I felt such a deep sense of pride in my work to support the hospital. CEO Dean Teague led a tour of the new hospital private-room expansion for the members of the CalvertHealth Gala committee. During the tour Dean reminded each of us that although we may never have to use the facilities at CalvertHealth, our work makes a positive difference for everyone in the community. I have spent many hours doing fundraising for the local community, and this statement touched me more than any. I am honored to see that my work makes our community hospital better for everyone and improves the quality of the services for EVERYONE! Dean’s statement was made with a very genuine heartfelt appreciation and confirmed that all of my hours, efforts and financial support is going to the right place.
Lisa has been an active member of the CalvertHealth Gala (formerly the Harvest Ball) Committee since joining the board. She shares an incredible passion for this important event and dedicates countless hours ensuring the each and every gala guest experiences a memorable event while she works to generate thousands of dollars for the hospital’s programs and projects. “As a member of the committee, and now serving as co-chair for my second year, I feel we should strive to improve upon the previous year. Goals challenge us personally to make a bigger and better event each year, to engage new sponsors and to attract more guests.” Under Lisa’s leadership in 2018, the gala generated a record level of support for the foundation. “The gala is the premier fundraising event for a Calvert organization and it offers inclusion for all – each year we see new guests, young guests, repeat guests – a wonderful time is had by all ages and backgrounds as we all come together for this one very important cause.”
“I feel that every person who enters the hospital should be treated equally and fairly. No one should get better service simply because of their ability to contribute. Coming to CalvertHealth should be a positive experience for everyone in a time when often things are not well. Making a positive difference is a unique and wonderful opportunity and I am happy to be able to be a part of this each and every day at CalvertHealth.”
Lisa lives in Dunkirk with husband Steve. They have two children, Samantha and Andrew, and they own and operate Garner Exteriors.
