Friends Program Members
The Friends program encompasses families and individuals from a variety of backgrounds in the community, all with the goal of supporting Glendale Memorial Hospital. Both new and long-standing “Friends” share why they chose to become members.
Three years ago, Mickey and Nadine Clark joined the Friends program. Mr. Clark has a long history of service to Glendale Memorial Health Foundation, beginning in 1985, when he served as a board member and later, president. In 1987, Mr. Clark became a member of Glendale Memorial Hospital’s Board of Directors.
A few months ago, Mr. Clark was taken to Glendale Memorial’s Emergency Department for treatment. “I showed them my Friends of Glendale Memorial card and everything went smoothly, with good results,” said Mr. Clark. “We love Glendale Memorial,” remarked Mrs. Clark, “It is our hospital.”
Ruth Charles is a long-time supporter of Glendale Memorial and fellow Friends member. “When I was asked about joining the ‘Friends’ program I said yes because I thought it was an excellent idea and being a ‘Friend’ is one way I can help the hospital,” said Mrs. Charles.
Mrs. Charles was first a patient at Glendale Memorial 32 years ago. Through her own personal experience as a cancer survivor, she helped found the hospital’s cancer department and worked closely with Marcia Ray. From 1992 to 1994, Mrs. Charles was the President of the hospital’s Guild. Mrs. Charles and her late husband Dick, owners of Charles Music in Glendale, were involved in the Evening of Wine & Roses event from its inception 21 years ago.
“I believe our community is extremely fortunate to have the high quality healthcare services Glendale Memorial provides,” said Mrs. Charles.
John and Gael Davitt have been active in the local community and are newer members to the Friends program. Dr. Davitt worked at Glendale Community College for 38 years and was the President of the college for the last 21 years. Mrs. Davitt was a sixth grade teacher at St. Bede School in La Canada for 33 years.
“We were so impressed by John’s physician, Dr. Lawrence O’Connor, in addition to his associates, the late Dr. John Goodwin, and Dr. Santo Polito, Medical Director of Glendale Memorial Heart Center,” said Mrs. Davitt. “We decided if the hospital had such high caliber physicians, then the hospital must also be the very best,” stated Dr. and Mrs. Davitt.
Glendale Memorial Hospital is one of the training locations for nursing students from Glendale Community College’s Registered Nurse program. Students are able to enhance their skills and experience in a variety of areas at the hospital. “I feel that Glendale Memorial Hospital is an asset to the community and deserves our support,” said Dr. Davitt.
Craig Warden is Chairman of the Friends of Glendale Memorial Hospital program in addition to Treasurer of Glendale Memorial Health Foundation’s Board of Directors. He has served on the Foundation Board for several years and was also the 2005 Chairman of the Annual Giving Committee.
“My wife, Christa, and I are excited to be able to make such a direct impact on our hospital and our community as Friends members, while receiving valuable hospital benefits,” stated Mr. Warden.
For more information about becoming a Friends of Glendale Memorial Hospital member, please call Glendale Memorial Health Foundation at (818) 502-2375.
