Scenes from the 2008 Thanksgiving Reception

On November 23, 2008 the Foundation hosted its fifth annual Thanksgiving Reception in the Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery in La Crosse. The event provides an opportunity for the Foundation to express its appreciation to the individuals and organizations who make its work possible.

During the reception, the Foundation presented long-time friends, Charley and Marikaye Robers, with the Spheres of Influence Award. The award has been presented annually since 1983, and recognizes those who have who have generously supported Franciscan Skemp Foundation and the healing mission of Franciscan Skemp Healthcare. 

The Rober’s generosity to Franciscan Skemp dates back 53 years and touches nearly every corner of the organization.  While the Foundation’s computerized donor records date back only to 1988, since that time, the pair have made more than 125 gifts to 20 different programs including Gerard Hall, Hospice, St. Clare Health Mission, Siena Hall and the Family Practice Residency, as well as the campaigns related to construction of the Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery and the new Emergency and Urgent Care Center, which opened in La Crosse in August.  Marikaye is a former Foundation board chair and a past president of the Franciscan Skemp Auxiliary.

As recipients of the Spheres of Influence Award, Charley and Marikaye Robers join the ranks of Marjorie Reinhart, Fr. Robert Cook, Robert and Frances Skemp, Robert B. Franke and many other distinguished recipients of the award over the past 25 years.

Our thanks to Marikaye and Charley for allowing us the honor and pleasure of recognizing their extraordinary contributions to Franciscan Skemp and many other charitable organizations within the community.

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