This year, National Random Acts of Kindness Day was celebrated Feb. 17. Rehoboth Elementary School organized an effort during its Kindness Week to thank Beebe team members for their tireless support of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Dr. David Tam and I were privileged to attend a presentation at the school, and it was one of the most genuine expressions of gratitude we both have witnessed in a while.

This all-school effort, called the Beebe Healthcare Hero Thank You Project, was organized by RES Parent-Teacher Organization President Aimee Isaac and PTO volunteer Kristen Lamb. Some 500 students participated in Kindness Week by writing thank-you cards to Beebe team members. Handwritten cards filled with heartwarming words of encouragement were tucked into envelopes decorated with hearts, rays from a smiling sun, and drawings of hospitals and emergency equipment.  Some of the cards were displayed on a table, while hundreds of others overflowed from two large baskets.

Dr. Tam and I met Dr. Doris Person, school principal, along with Vice Principal Kevin Monaghan, PTO parents, and students representing each grade. We listened as some of the students read cards aloud, and the sincerity of their thanks to their healthcare heroes was beyond moving.

Beebe Medical Foundation will distribute these incredible expressions of gratitude throughout the entire Beebe Healthcare system. What an honor to share with Beebe team members that community members, and these students in particular, are thankful for the excellent care Team Beebe provides each and every day. 

As Beebe Medical Foundation president, I am proud to be a part of this community that is raising the next generation of gratitude. Thank you to the leadership and parents of Rehoboth Elementary School students for turning that community gratitude into something tangible for Beebe team members. The sincerity and gratitude of these young philanthropists is contagious. 

Beebe Medical Foundation will share these wonderful cards via the many random acts of kindness we do through our new Make Their Day program, in which foundation representatives visit different departments, delivering gifts of gratitude for their life-saving work. These cards will be a welcome addition to our program!

As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe Healthcare depends on the generous support of the community it serves. To make a gift to celebrate the excellent care you or a loved one has received, visit Beebe Medical Foundation at beebemedicalfoundation.org or call 302-644-2900. Want to share your story? Contact Amanda Neal at aneal@beebehealthcare.org.