Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation GALA

presented by Clayton Homes

The GALA is one of the area’s premier fundraising events, offering an outstanding occasion to mingle, enjoy a plated/served dinner and featured entertainment, and bid on fabulous auction items…all for a great cause! The 2025 Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation GALA is generously presented by Clayton Homes and honors four deserving healthcare and philanthropic leaders in the Morristown community. This year will also feature entertainment by the Emerald Empire Band.

Four awards will be presented at the Gala:

• The Lifetime Commitment to Healthcare Award, presented by First Horizon Bank and First Horizon Advisors, honors Dr. Ernesto Mejia. This award honors a MHHS physician who embraces Covenant Health’s mission to improve the quality of life in our communities through better health, who provides exemplary care to patients, and who is a recognized leader in their field. Dr. Mejia has served the Lakeway community for 29 years and is the busiest pulmonologist in the state. He was seen by many as a mainstay of heroism during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a trusted partner for hundreds of patients battling lung disease and other pulmonary issues.

• The Philanthropic Legacy Award honors Ms. Kay Kinser Senter. This award recognizes and celebrates transformative leaders who exemplify the health system’s values of putting people first, thinking differently, and doing the right thing. Ms. Senter is a well-respected member of the Lakeway community, having served as a member of Morristown City Council since 1993, including time as Vice-Mayor and chair of the Finance Committee. She is a member of many local non-profit boards, state municipal committees, and taught English at Morristown-Hamblen East High School for 38 years. Ms. Senter currently serves on the MHHS hospital and foundation boards of directors and recently supported the hospital’s expansion efforts at Morristown-Hamblen West with a generous contribution naming two exam rooms in memory of her parents, Dr. John and Betty Kinser, and her husband, James D. “Jim” Senter.

• The Community Impact Partner Award honors Clayton Homes. This award recognizes a community organization that values and supports healthcare in the Lakeway community. Clayton Homes and its employees at multiple locations around our region have been the generous lead sponsor of MHHS’s Jingle Run for Hope fundraiser for the last six years, donating over $237,000 to support the hospital’s cancer programs and the patients receiving care there.

• The Healthcare Hero Award honors Ms. Sonya Johnson. This award honors a healthcare professional, caregiver, or worker whose skillful performance and deep compassion exemplify MHHS’s commitment to always putting people first. Ms. Johnson has been employed at MHHS for more than 30 years and oversees 90 employees in the hospital’s emergency department. She is a past DAISY award recipient which honors nurses who consistently go above and beyond to provide patients and families with excellence in clinical care and compassion. Ms. Johnson is a valued volunteer at many MHHS Foundation events and has received multiple leadership awards and recognitions throughout MHHS and Covenant Health, including the 2024 Covenant Health President’s Award.

Please review the sponsorship and ticket options detailed in this brochure and join us on February 28!

Questions

If you have questions about the event, please contact:

Haley Fugate, Development Manager
Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation
Phone: 423-492-5602 | Email: [email protected]

About the Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation

Since 1997, the Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation has raised funds to support Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. As a result of the generosity of corporate sponsors and participants in events like the annual Golf Tournament and Gala, the Foundation has been able to support patient care, continuing professional education, program development, and purchases of needed medical equipment.

The purpose of the Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation is to support Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System in promoting and advancing the well-being of our community by providing quality healthcare and health related services. Its mission is to provide philanthropic support to the health system through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations in the community with the support of its volunteer board of directors.