Beebe foundation hosts Women in Philanthropy Luncheon

On the eve of International Women's Day, Beebe Medical Foundation hosted its annual Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, bringing together more than 100 women from Sussex County to celebrate the power of female philanthropy and the remarkable impact it has on the local community.

This year's event, held at The Clubhouse at Baywood, featured an inspiring lineup of speakers, heartfelt stories and a powerful call to action centered around Beebe Goes Purple, an initiative supporting addiction and substance use disorder recovery in Sussex County.

In her opening remarks, Kay Young, Beebe Medical Foundation executive director of development, welcomed guests and highlighted the extraordinary role women play in philanthropy and healthcare advocacy.

"There is something truly special about being in a room filled with strong, compassionate and driven women," said Young. "Today, ... we celebrate not just philanthropy, but the power of women coming together to make a difference. Your leadership, generosity and passion have fueled transformative changes at Beebe Healthcare, and we are grateful for your unwavering support."

Young emphasized the direct impact of philanthropy on Beebe Healthcare services, including the mobile outreach vehicles fleet expansion, cath lab renovations, new family medicine residency clinic launch at Long Neck, and support of Beebe Goes Purple.

In a particularly powerful moment, Lee Ann Wilkinson, Realtor and CEO of The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, shared her deeply personal story of loss and advocacy. Wilkinson spoke candidly about her late colleague and friend, Garrett King, who lost his life to an accidental heroin overdose.

"I never imagined that someone I worked with every day, who was so successful and dedicated to his work, was silently battling substance use disorder," Wilkinson said. "I hope that by sharing Garrett’s story, we can continue to break the stigma, and drive education, awareness and prevention in our community. Supporting Beebe Goes Purple is one way I can honor his legacy and make a difference for others."

Initiatives like Beebe Goes Purple have raised over $370,000 in just four years to provide critical resources, Narcan training, mobile health outreach and access to care for those impacted by addiction.

Later, Kim Blanch, community outreach and population health director at Beebe Healthcare, took the stage to highlight the real-time impact of community philanthropy.

"The power of Beebe Goes Purple is that it’s more than just a fundraising event; it’s a movement," said Blanch. "Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to expand the services our mobile outreach team brings directly to the community, break down barriers to care, deliver a truly integrated model of care – behavioral, primary and social care – while providing lifesaving Narcan education and essential items to those in need."

Blanch also noted that the team is on track to more than double their impact in fiscal year 2025, having already touched nearly 3,000 lives by the end of February.

The event concluded with remarks from Gwen Davis, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, a Beebe Healthcare population health nurse practitioner who shared firsthand stories of hope and resilience.

"Every person we meet – whether it’s on the mobile health unit, in an emergency department, or in a moment of crisis – deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and care," said Davis. "The support from Beebe Goes Purple allows us to provide not just medical care, but essential resources like tents, first aid kits and personal care items that offer comfort to individuals in desperate need. This is what community-driven philanthropy looks like, neighbors helping neighbors, and I am honored to be a part of it."

As the event came to a close, Young reminded attendees of the continued need for philanthropic support to address health and wellness challenges in Sussex County.

"Together, we are making a lasting impact. The power of women in philanthropy is undeniable, and today’s luncheon is a testament to the difference we can make when we come together with purpose and compassion," she said.