New Leader, New Goals

Foundation's New Director Sets Sights High

Jackie Thornton moved away from Sulphur Springs when she was just 3 years old, but she never lost touch with her hometown roots. After many years in Dallas raising money for pediatric cancer research, she's now the director of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, raising money to help the hospital provide quality care for the people in its community.

"This is family. This is home to me. I came back hoping I could help make a difference in my hometown community," Thornton says. "My mom and dad both have used this hospital. Now I live here, and I want to do what I can for the community."

Foundation President Tom Sellers is pleased to have Thornton heading the Foundation. "Jackie is the best thing that's happened to the Foundation in a long time," he says. "She brings energy and enthusiasm. I'm very optimistic about its future in her hands."

Thornton is working to expand the Foundation's existing campaigns. "When I came on board last September and realized it was the 10th anniversary of the Lights of Life campaign, I wanted to add to the groundwork that had been previously laid," she says. "I am excited to report that we raised more than $21,000, which exceeded our original goal of $20,000."

And Thornton is setting her sights higher for 2006. By adding a holiday gala to the Lights of Life event, she optimistically hopes to raise $100,000 for the Foundation. "We'll have dinner and dancing with local entertainment on the Saturday night after the Lights of Life tree lighting," she says. "The goal is that the gala will become the annual Foundation fundraiser that benefits the hospital and that it will become the highlight of the holidays for the community."

The mission of the Foundation is to secure funds from individuals, businesses and corporations that will be used to help the hospital provide quality and compassionate health care services within Hopkins County. Previouslythe Foundation has assisted in the renovation of some of the nurses' stations. Currently the Foundation is reviewing areas that can benefit from the funds that will be raised from the 2006 gala.

By Stephanie Thurrott

Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board

Tom Sellers, Chairman
Bill Dietze, M.D.
Micky Masters Barnett
David Baucom
Patsy Bolton
Wayne Cooper
Roger Elliott
Bill Elliott
Wayne Galyean
Kevin Monk
Larry Powers
Don Sapaugh
Sam Sevier
Carolyn Stewart