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Pardee Hospital Foundation Opens Nominations for 2026 Physician of the Year

Christine Gordon on February 24, 2026

Hendersonville, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation is now accepting nominations for its annual Physician of the Year Award, which honors a physician whose career is defined by medical excellence, compassionate patient care, and a commitment to improving the lives of people throughout the community. Nominations may be submitted online through April 1, 2026 at pardeehospitalfoundation.org/physician-of-the-year.

The Physician of the Year Award recognizes a member of the current UNC Health Pardee Medical Staff who has made a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the broader community. Nominees should demonstrate a love for the profession of medicine and a commitment to enriching the field through clinical excellence, leadership, and service. Previous recipients are not eligible for consideration.

“The Physician of the Year Award is our way of celebrating the incredible physicians who make a difference every day,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “These are individuals whose skill, dedication, and compassion touch the lives of patients, families, and our entire community. We encourage everyone to share their stories and help us honor a truly deserving physician this year.”

Nominations may be submitted by any individual on behalf of a physician and should address the nominee’s personal and career activities, as well as the qualities that exemplify excellence in patient care and service to the community including:

  • Exemplary medical expertise
  • Unmatched dedication to compassionate patient care
  • Commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.

Once nominations are received, the UNC Health Pardee medical staff will vote to select this year’s honoree. Individuals who have previously received the Physician of the Year and posthumous nominations will not be accepted.  

Past recipients of the Physician of the Year Award include:

  • Dr. Ken Shelton
  • Dr. James Caserio
  • Dr. Stuart Glassman
  • Dr. Eric Byrd
  • Dr. Peter Goodfield
  • Dr. Betsy Merrell
  • Dr. Werner Brooks
  • Dr. Chris Parsons
  • Dr. Jennifer McAlister
  • Dr. Joel Callahan
  • Dr. Navin Anthony
  • Dr. David Price

The 2026 Physician of the Year will be announced and honored during the Foundation’s summer gala, Pardee Royale, on Saturday, July 26, 2026.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: pardeehospitalfoundation.org/physician-of-the-year.


About Pardee Hospital Foundation
Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. For 30 years, since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors and community organizations to fund lifesaving technology, critical programs, and facility enhancements that advance patient care throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Community Impact, Announces 2026 Signature Events

Christine Gordon on February 18, 2026

Hendersonville, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation is celebrating 30 years of serving the community in 2026 and marking the milestone with two signature fundraising events that will support vital healthcare programs and initiatives across the region.


Founded in 1996, the Foundation has spent three decades advancing Pardee’s mission through philanthropy by strengthening patient care, expanding access to services, and investing in the health and well-being of the community.


“This year represents an important milestone for our Foundation,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. “For 30 years, our donors, sponsors, and community partners have helped ensure that Pardee remains a trusted source of compassionate, high-quality care. We are excited to honor that legacy while continuing to invest in the future of healthcare in our region.”


Pardee Royale: Celebrating 30 Years of Impact
The Foundation’s premier fundraising event of the year, Pardee Royale, will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Blue Ridge Community Center.


This special evening will celebrate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary while honoring the Physician of the Year and Healthcare Champion Award recipient (formerly Philanthropist of the Year). Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health program, which provides critical support and services to teens experiencing mental health crises.


Inspired by the hit television series Palm Royale, this year’s theme will transport guests to the glamour of Palm Beach with festive cocktails, live music, and curated culinary experiences.


“Pardee Royale reflects both our commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving some of our most vulnerable patients,” said Dr. Yaseen Zia, Chair of the Pardee Hospital Foundation Board. “The funds raised through this event directly support programs that help young people and families navigate mental health challenges. It’s a powerful example of philanthropy in action.”


Sponsorship opportunities for Pardee Royale and tickets are now available. Sponsorships range from Presenting Sponsor to Foundation Ambassadors. Individual tickets are $150. Sponsorship and ticket information is available online – pardeehospitalfoundation.org/all-events/summer-gala


Women Helping Women Luncheon
The Foundation will host its annual Women Helping Women Luncheon on Friday, October 23, 2026. The Women Helping Women program provides critical financial support to women who need medical care but cannot afford the cost, helping bridge gaps during times of greatest need


The luncheon is a beloved community tradition, bringing together more than 400 supporters each year and serving as a hallmark event for the Pardee Hospital Foundation. Additional details, including sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, keynote speaker, and program highlights, will be announced in the coming months.


Continuing a Legacy of Care
Over the past 30 years, the Pardee Hospital Foundation has supported programs, advanced technology, patient assistance, and community outreach initiatives. Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, the Foundation continues to strengthen Pardee’s ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of western North Carolina.


“Our 30th anniversary is both a celebration and a promise,” Treece added. “We are honoring the past while recommitting ourselves to building a healthier future for generations to come.”


For more information about sponsorships, tickets, or upcoming events, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org or contact the Pardee Hospital Foundation at 828-233-2700 or [email protected].

About Pardee Hospital Foundation
Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. For 30 years, since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors and community organizations to fund lifesaving technology, critical programs, and facility enhancements that advance patient care throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Receives $1.4 Million Legacy Gift

Christine Gordon on January 22, 2026

Estate gift from Margaret Hodges will support patient care for generations

Hendersonville, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation has received a legacy gift of more than $1.4 million from the estate of Margaret Hodges, honoring her lifelong commitment to thoughtful planning and compassion to others.

Margaret dedicated her professional life to the insurance industry, helping individuals and families prepare for the future. That same foresight guided her own legacy planning, as she carefully directed her estate to reflect her values and support causes she believed in.

In her lifetime, Margaret took great care to plan how her assets would be distributed.  Her estate gift will help strengthen patient care, advance medical technology, and support the long-term health of the community served by UNC Health Pardee—particularly women.

“Margarets gift is an extraordinary act of kindness and intention,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Her foresight and generosity will make a meaningful difference for generations of patients and families. We are humbled and inspired by her legacy.”

Legacy gifts, often made through a will, trust, or beneficiary designation, play a vital role in ensuring access to exceptional care close to home. Margaret Hodge’s generosity stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful planning can create lasting impact.

To learn more about how to include Pardee Hospital Foundation in your estate plans, contact Amy Treece at 828-696-4661 or [email protected] or visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Launches “More Room for Hope” Campaign to Expand Cancer Care

Christine Gordon on January 15, 2026

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation has launched More Room for Hope, a fundraising campaign to support the expansion of the Pardee Cancer Center and meet the region’s growing demand for high-quality, compassionate cancer care close to home.

Since the opening of the Pardee Cancer Center in 2016, new patient visits have grown to approximately 1,000 a year—a number that continues to rise. The expansion will allow Pardee to enhance clinical space, advance technology, and improve patient and family amenities, ensuring more individuals can access timely, comprehensive cancer care in a patient-centered environment.

The campaign gained early momentum through a generous gift from Alice Betts, made in honor of her late son, Christopher Betts. Her meaningful investment helped launch community support for the project and highlights the personal connection so many families have to cancer care.

“More Room for Hope is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about creating space for healing,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. “This expansion ensures our community has access to exceptional cancer care today and for generations to come, made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in this mission.”

Creating a Legacy Through Naming Opportunities

The More Room for Hope campaign offers donors the opportunity to make a lasting impact through naming opportunities throughout the expanded Pardee Cancer Center. These opportunities allow individuals, families, and businesses to honor loved ones, recognize champions of cancer care, or create a permanent legacy.

Naming opportunities include:

  • Patient treatment and infusion spaces
  • Exam rooms and clinical areas
  • Waiting and family support spaces
  • Healing and reflection areas
  • Programmatic and technology enhancements

Each naming opportunity represents a meaningful investment in patient care and serves as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to hope and healing.

“Philanthropy plays a vital role in advancing cancer care at Pardee,” Treece added. “These naming opportunities allow donors to see the tangible impact of their generosity while directly supporting patients when they need it most.”

A Community Effort with Lasting Impact

Funds raised through the More Room for Hope campaign will directly support the Cancer Center expansion and help Pardee to deliver leading-edge oncology services in a welcoming, patient-focused environment.

Community members interested in learning more about the campaign or exploring naming opportunities are encouraged to contact the Pardee Hospital Foundation by calling 828-233-2700 or email [email protected]. For more information on the More Room for Hope campaign, visit More Room for Hope – Pardee Hospital Foundation.

About Pardee Hospital Foundation
Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. For 30 years, since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors and community organizations to fund lifesaving technology, critical programs, and facility enhancements that advance patient care throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation celebrates regional growth and showcases Physician and Philanthropists of the Year at Annual Gala

pardeefdnstg on June 6, 2023

Event proceeds benefit expansion of cardiology services

Hendersonville, NC – Before hundreds of guests at its annual gala, Saturday, June 3 at Blue Ridge Community College, Pardee Hospital Foundation announced their 2023 Physician of the Year and Philanthropists of the Year and celebrated expanded services throughout the region. 

Neurologist and UNC Health Pardee Chief of Staff, Dr. Joel Callahan — a member of the Pardee team for 12 years — received this year’s Physician of the Year honors. Those who nominated him, including patients, community members and fellow medical providers, had much to say about Dr. Callahan’s focus on the people he serves, calling him a leader and advocate, committed to providing — and growing — top-notch care for the people of this community. 

“It’s amazing,” Callahan said after learning he received the award. “Being part of the Pardee team is something that I feel great about because I know I’m working for a place that is doing good in our community.” 

Dick and Nancy Burns were honored as outstanding philanthropists. Pardee Hospital Foundation Chair Marilyn Gordon made this announcement, characterizing them as humble, kind and authentic. “They are doers,” she said. “They are a powerful part of our UNC Health Pardee community who give selfless gifts of time, talent and treasure.” 

In addition to being generous donors to the Pardee Hospital Foundation, the Burns were recognized for their service greeting patients and families at the hospital’s information desk, helping as trained “transporters” who assist patients to their cars after medical appointments, and supporting those receiving treatment at Pardee’s Cancer Center. Importantly, they were also integral to Pardee’s early work to expand cardiac services as members of the cardiac committee. 

This year’s event also focused on Pardee’s commitment to expanding cardiology services, which is one of several imminent growth priorities for the organization. In the last year, UNC Health Pardee had almost 688,000 patient encounters while working towards expanding the hospital’s reach with the opening of practices in new communities and by growing capacity in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and primary care with the addition of new providers. 

The 2023 gala was generously underwritten by companies and individuals including Platinum Sponsor, Norm’s Minit Mart; Silver Sponsor, First Citizens Bank; and Bronze Sponsors Carolina Village, Champion Comfort, Hall and Sonja Waddell, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), Hendersonville Health & Rehab, The Lodge at Mills River, StoneCreek and Wilsonart.

Pardee Hospital Foundation was approved as a non-profit Foundation in January 1996. The Foundation exists to educate and inspire individuals, businesses, and organizations to support Pardee Hospital services and programs while advancing the health and well-being of the community through prevention and treatment. Since its inception, the Foundation has generated over $30 million in pledges and cash gifts for Pardee services. To learn more about the Pardee Hospital Foundation visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

UNC Health Pardee is a not-for-profit community healthcare system and is managed by UNC Health. The hospital, founded in 1953, is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation celebrates regional growth and showcases Physician and Philanthropists of the Year at Annual Gala

Michael Beck on June 6, 2023

Event proceeds benefit expansion of cardiology services

Hendersonville, NC – Before hundreds of guests at its annual gala, Saturday, June 3 at Blue Ridge Community College, Pardee Hospital Foundation announced their 2023 Physician of the Year and Philanthropists of the Year and celebrated expanded services throughout the region. 

Neurologist and UNC Health Pardee Chief of Staff, Dr. Joel Callahan — a member of the Pardee team for 12 years — received this year’s Physician of the Year honors. Those who nominated him, including patients, community members and fellow medical providers, had much to say about Dr. Callahan’s focus on the people he serves, calling him a leader and advocate, committed to providing — and growing — top-notch care for the people of this community. 

“It’s amazing,” Callahan said after learning he received the award. “Being part of the Pardee team is something that I feel great about because I know I’m working for a place that is doing good in our community.” 

Dick and Nancy Burns were honored as outstanding philanthropists. Pardee Hospital Foundation Chair Marilyn Gordon made this announcement, characterizing them as humble, kind and authentic. “They are doers,” she said. “They are a powerful part of our UNC Health Pardee community who give selfless gifts of time, talent and treasure.” 

In addition to being generous donors to the Pardee Hospital Foundation, the Burns were recognized for their service greeting patients and families at the hospital’s information desk, helping as trained “transporters” who assist patients to their cars after medical appointments, and supporting those receiving treatment at Pardee’s Cancer Center. Importantly, they were also integral to Pardee’s early work to expand cardiac services as members of the cardiac committee. 

This year’s event also focused on Pardee’s commitment to expanding cardiology services, which is one of several imminent growth priorities for the organization. In the last year, UNC Health Pardee had almost 688,000 patient encounters while working towards expanding the hospital’s reach with the opening of practices in new communities and by growing capacity in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and primary care with the addition of new providers. 

The 2023 gala was generously underwritten by companies and individuals including Platinum Sponsor, Norm’s Minit Mart; Silver Sponsor, First Citizens Bank; and Bronze Sponsors Carolina Village, Champion Comfort, Hall and Sonja Waddell, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo), Hendersonville Health & Rehab, The Lodge at Mills River, StoneCreek and Wilsonart.

Pardee Hospital Foundation was approved as a non-profit Foundation in January 1996. The Foundation exists to educate and inspire individuals, businesses, and organizations to support Pardee Hospital services and programs while advancing the health and well-being of the community through prevention and treatment. Since its inception, the Foundation has generated over $30 million in pledges and cash gifts for Pardee services. To learn more about the Pardee Hospital Foundation visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

UNC Health Pardee is a not-for-profit community healthcare system and is managed by UNC Health. The hospital, founded in 1953, is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Celebrates UNC Health Pardee and its Focus on Cardiology Services at Upcoming Gala

pardeefdnstg on April 18, 2023

Hendersonville, NC – The Pardee Hospital Foundation will host hundreds of guests at its upcoming annual gala on Saturday, June 3 at Blue Ridge Community College. This black-tie affair is a time to celebrate UNC Health Pardee and its continued dedication to meeting the growing medical needs of Henderson County and Western North Carolina. This year’s event will focus on Pardee’s commitment to providing cardiology services to the region and will include dinner, dancing, live music, a silent auction and a raffle.

“There is so much to celebrate,” remarked Pardee Hospital Foundation Executive Director Amy Treece. “In the last year, UNC Health Pardee had almost 688,000 patient encounters while working towards opening practices in two new communities and expanding services in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and primary care with the addition of new providers. We’re honored to host gala guests this year who ensure that medical needs of our community are met with both urgency and excellence. We’re especially excited to announce that this year’s proceeds will support our growing cardiology program.”

Additionally, the June 3 event will include recognition of the recipient of the Pardee Physician of the Year Award, following a peer, co-worker and community nominations process. The honor is bestowed upon a Pardee physician whose career is defined by medical excellence, dedication to compassionate patient care and a commitment to improving the lives of others. The Philanthropist of the Year will also be recognized, celebrating one donor’s outstanding contributions to UNC Health Pardee, Pardee Hospital Foundation, and the improvement of the community’s health care.

The gala is generously underwritten by companies and individuals including major sponsors Norm’s Minit Mart, First Citizens Bank, Southeastern Sports Medicine and Wilsonart. Tickets to the gala are $200 each and can be purchased by visiting www.pardeehospitalfoundation.org or by calling 828-233-2700.

Pardee Hospital Foundation was approved as a non-profit Foundation in January 1996. The Foundation exists to educate and inspire individuals, businesses, and organizations to support Pardee Hospital services and programs while advancing the health and well-being of the community through prevention and treatment. Since its inception, the Foundation has generated over $30 million in pledges and cash gifts for Pardee services. To learn more about the Pardee Hospital Foundation visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

UNC Health Pardee is a not-for-profit community healthcare system and is managed by UNC Health. The hospital, founded in 1953, is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit  www.pardeehospital.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Celebrates UNC Health Pardee and its Focus on Cardiology Services at Upcoming Gala

[email protected] on April 18, 2023

Hendersonville, NC – The Pardee Hospital Foundation will host hundreds of guests at its upcoming annual gala on Saturday, June 3 at Blue Ridge Community College. This black-tie affair is a time to celebrate UNC Health Pardee and its continued dedication to meeting the growing medical needs of Henderson County and Western North Carolina. This year’s event will focus on Pardee’s commitment to providing cardiology services to the region and will include dinner, dancing, live music, a silent auction and a raffle.

“There is so much to celebrate,” remarked Pardee Hospital Foundation Executive Director Amy Treece. “In the last year, UNC Health Pardee had almost 688,000 patient encounters while working towards opening practices in two new communities and expanding services in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and primary care with the addition of new providers. We’re honored to host gala guests this year who ensure that medical needs of our community are met with both urgency and excellence. We’re especially excited to announce that this year’s proceeds will support our growing cardiology program.”

Additionally, the June 3 event will include recognition of the recipient of the Pardee Physician of the Year Award, following a peer, co-worker and community nominations process. The honor is bestowed upon a Pardee physician whose career is defined by medical excellence, dedication to compassionate patient care and a commitment to improving the lives of others. The Philanthropist of the Year will also be recognized, celebrating one donor’s outstanding contributions to UNC Health Pardee, Pardee Hospital Foundation, and the improvement of the community’s health care.

The gala is generously underwritten by companies and individuals including major sponsors Norm’s Minit Mart, First Citizens Bank, Southeastern Sports Medicine and Wilsonart. Tickets to the gala are $200 each and can be purchased by visiting www.pardeehospitalfoundation.org or by calling 828-233-2700.

Pardee Hospital Foundation was approved as a non-profit Foundation in January 1996. The Foundation exists to educate and inspire individuals, businesses, and organizations to support Pardee Hospital services and programs while advancing the health and well-being of the community through prevention and treatment. Since its inception, the Foundation has generated over $30 million in pledges and cash gifts for Pardee services. To learn more about the Pardee Hospital Foundation visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

UNC Health Pardee is a not-for-profit community healthcare system and is managed by UNC Health. The hospital, founded in 1953, is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, a cancer center, four urgent care locations and six orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit  www.pardeehospital.org.