FY24 Annual Report
FY24 Annual Report
Piedmont Athens Regional’s family of donors: thank you for another successful year. When we reflect on Fiscal Year 2024, our team, hospital, and patients are immensely grateful for your support and investment in the healthcare of our community.
This year you contributed nearly $1.4 million to support various programs, enhance our community health education initiatives, provide more than 500 mammograms, sustain cancer wellness programs, and positively impact the overall health and wellbeing of our community. You are creating a more equitable, accessible healthcare system for Athens and the 17+ counties we serve.
Our team is excited to share this year’s annual donor report. This report was created with you, the donor, in mind. We have curated grateful patient stories, donor testimonies and inspirational behind-the-scenes look at what our employees, nurses, physicians, and staff work towards every day – Real Change. No matter the size of your gift, you continue to create Real Change for everyone who visits Piedmont Athens Regional. Thank you!
"Piedmont Athens Regional has an unwavering commitment to Athens and our surrounding communities, and all our generous supporters make that commitment possible. Piedmont Athens Regional aims to make a positive impact every day by improving the health and wellbeing of our community. Through your generosity, we can provide support for healthcare programs, exceptional patient care, as well as advancements in future medical care. We can't thank you enough for investing in us and in return investing in our community. You absolutely make a difference - thank you!"
– Jody Patton, Chair, Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation Board"Thank you, Piedmont Athens Regional donors! We are grateful for your support of our programs, technology, and patient experiences. As you’ll see in this report, your contributions to the health of our community are empowering patients and creating real change in the lives of those we serve."
Piedmont Athens Regional is pleased to have achieved several goals this year, all of which would not have been possible without the incredible staff who choose to work at Piedmont Athens Regional:
- Named a 2024 PINC AI 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital by Premier, Inc. and Fortune.
- Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for 2024.
- Awarded the 2024 PINC AI 100 Top Hospitals by Premier, Inc. and Fortune.
- First in the country to earn a Cardiac Center of Excellence designation in chest pain, heart failure, and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) services by DNV.
- No. 1 In Georgia for Patient Outcomes and recognized as a leader in Social Responsibility by Lown Institute for 2024.
- Best Regional Hospital for Heart Attack, U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024 Best Hospitals, 2023
- Best Regional Hospital Heart Failure, U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024
- Best Regional Hospital Diabetes, U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024
- Best Regional Hospital Stroke, U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024
- Achieved our eighth Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A
We are honored to provide the best, most easily accessible, high-quality healthcare for our community, which we could not do without you, our donors. You support gives our teams the resources and tools they need to make a positive difference in every life they touch. Again, thank you. We hope that you, like us, are proud to be a part of Piedmont."
– J. Michael Burnett, CEO, Piedmont Athens Regional
Unrestricted Gifts Fund
To support Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital’s greatest priorities.
Count Me In | GIFT (Employee Giving) Fund
The purpose of the fund is to support programs and services of Piedmont Athens Regional. This is funded through employee donations made to PAR’s employee giving program, Count Me In | GIFT. A portion of the funds support Employee Disaster Relief (often referred to as EDRF).
Breast Health Center Fund
To support enhancement of programs and equipment within the Piedmont Athens Regional Breast Health Center.
Community Health Education Fund
Supports Piedmont Athens Regional’s community health initiatives including (but not limited to) classes and health coaching, wellness and safety programs, injury prevention for kids, and health education.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Fund
To support enhancement of programs and equipment within Neonatal Intensive Care services at PAR.
Loran Smith Cancer Center Fund
To help provide financial support and enhancement of services provided by the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support including (but not limited to) support for capital/construction expansion, equipment and projects, education, programmatic expenses, and patient and family support services. Additionally, this fund supports other cancer-related activities for other areas without an established Foundation Fund (example: Beautiful You Boutique).
Graduate Medical Education Fund
To support Piedmont Athens Regional’s Graduate Medical Education Program needs. Funding could include (but is not limited to) teaching technology, research grants and awards, resident scholarships, faculty, and residents continuing education, graduation and end of year inpatient and ambulatory awards expenses.
Other
For concise reporting, we grouped together additional funds under “other” including (but not limited to) the Magill-Miller Heart Failure Fund, Emergency Department General Fund, Lymphedema Therapy Program Fund, Guest House Fund, and others.
The African American Women of Destiny Book Club
Nearly 30 years ago, Judge Patricia Barron was a founding member of the African American Professional Women’s Book Club. In 2003, she (along with several other members) began meeting under the name African American Women of Destiny Book Club, or AAWD, with Dr. Katheryn B. Davis, DSW, at the helm. The books these women read are catalysts for discussions around difficult topics that affect all our lives, environments, and communities.
Learn more about the AAWD Book Club.
The Positive Difference of Physician Giving
In August of 2022, Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and Piedmont Physicians Group welcomed Dr. Ben Wilson to the Piedmont family. Dr. Wilson specializes in treating gynecologic malignancies such as ovarian, uterine, cervix and vulvar cancers in addition to complex gynecologic conditions. Dr. Wilson’s treatments include advanced surgical techniques and chemotherapies. Dr. Wilson’s expertise is appreciated by all patients who visit him.
Learn more about Dr. and Mrs. Ben Wilson.Meet Kristen Romanowski
During an annual visit with her OBGYN in June 2022, Kristen’s provider discovered a lump when performing a breast exam and instructed her to have a mammogram, which was followed by a biopsy. Nothing prepared her for the news to follow—at just 38 years old, Kristen became the one in 8 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The next two years included doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy, and 34 rounds of radiation.
Kristen is a mother to three children, ages 12, 8, and 5, a wife, a community advocate for all things that make a positive difference, and now as a breast cancer survivor – has become a beacon for other woman facing similar diagnoses.
Read more of Kristen’s inspiring story.The Ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha
Meet the ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha, a University of Georgia Sorority, and sisters in support of breast cancer education and awareness. In 2024, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), were inspired by a tour of the Breast Health Center at Piedmont Athens Regional. They wanted to give back to local women with breast cancer diagnoses that require surgery. The ladies came together to create mastectomy pillows, handmade bracelets with empowering messages, and inspirational cards for the women to know they would not be fighting this battle alone. Pictured here with Piedmont employees, Amanda Nix, Robin Meyers, and Diana Cruz and the 2024 Philanthropy Board of ZTA. Thank you, ZTA!
Bulldog Kia’s Positive Impact
Dr. Katie Moore and her staff at the surgical oncology office at 1010 Prince Avenue recently received a second donation of care packages from Bulldog Kia for newly diagnosed breast and cervical cancer patients at Piedmont Athens Regional. Gift bags holding fuzzy socks, motivational reading, puzzles books, and more arrived to cheer patients as they come for their first appointment with Dr. Moore. A special note of encouragement from the team at Bulldog Kia made the gifts extra meaningful. "Our patients are so grateful for this support!" said Dr. Moore. Bulldog Kia was inspired by the spirit of the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, ensuring that patients feel the support of their community as they begin their cancer journey. Thank you, Bulldog Kia!
Catharine Chatham Murray: Empowering Healthcare for Diabetes Patients for Years to Come
In August 2020, beloved artist, friend and Athenian, Chatham Murray, passed away from diabetic complications at the age of 78. Catharine Chatham Murray, or Chatham as her friends called her, lived with diabetes for most of her life and at the end of her life, planned to give back to the community she cared for deeply. Piedmont Athens Regional’s Diabetes Resource Center and Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support are recipients of her generosity.
A special thank you to Charlie Hunnicutt, Melanie Cassity and Pete McCommons for their contributions.The Positive Difference of Employee Giving
On March 20th, Whit Richardson and Taziki’s Café partnered with Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation to thank Piedmont Athens Regionals employee donors at the Tournament of Giving kickoff event. Employee donors enjoyed meals provided by Taziki’s Café, music, a photo booth and an inflatable basketball court in appreciation for their generosity in giving back through Piedmont Athens Regional’s employee giving program, Count Me In | GIFT.
Read more about CMI | GIFT.National Grateful Patient Day
Each day, we hear extraordinary stories from grateful patients and generous donors about the care and compassion demonstrated by physicians, nurses, and staff at Piedmont Athens Regional (PAR). This prompted us to champion the patient-centered care provided at PAR on National Grateful Patient Day, September 7th.
Along with direct mail, online donations and a generous matching gift made by Helen Mills, the total campaign generated more than $86,000. Through philanthropy, we continue to transform health care and provide access to the best clinicians and one-of-a-kind experience that always puts patients first. Real change lives here.
Read more about National Grateful Patient Day.Class Reunion Provides Living Legacy
In the small town of Athens, students triumphed over the adversity of the age and excelled in the oldest, all-black, fully accredited high school in the state of Georgia – Athens High & Industrial School (AHIS). They have chosen to establish a fund at Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation named for the A.H.I.S. Class of 1964 that will provide medication and treatment for those fighting Cancer, who might not otherwise be able to afford the care they need, such as chemotherapy, radiation, cancer medications and therapies.
We are honored to recognize Piedmont Athens Regional’s newest donors from Fiscal Year 2024. Our hospital is a better place because of donor support. Donors enhance our programs, improve technology, create positive patient experiences, and overall impact the health and wellbeing of our community.
- 2024 Corporate Honor Roll
- 2024 Cornerstone Society
- 2024 Employee Donors – Count Me In | GIFT
- 2024 Founders Society
- 2024 Heritage Circle
All FY24 donors will be recognized during our annual donor event, Celebrate Generosity (previously known as Honoring Philanthropy) on October 10th.
- October 10, 2024 - Celebrate Generosity
- November 8, 2024 - Dogwood Classic Golf Tournament
- December 3, 2024 - Holly Jolly Holiday Party
- April 2025 - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Reunion
- May 3, 2025 - Mint Jubilee
- June 2025 - National Cancer Survivor Day Block Party
- June 2025 - Graduate Medical Education Graduation
Thank you to the individuals, businesses, and organizations who support the health and wellbeing in our community.
ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc.
Akins Ford Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Alloy Networks, Inc.
Athens BMW
Athens Ford
Athens Radiology Associates, P.C.
Atlanta Consulting Group
Jeremiah Bame and Coleman Brock
BankSouth
Barberitos Franchising
Batchelor & Kimball, Inc.
BDR Partners, LLC
Bulldog Kia
Burman Printing Company
Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Burnett
Cadence Bank
Barbara and Carl Parks
Chapelwood United Methodist Women
Classic City Bank
Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.
Cogent Technology Resources
Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty
Cooperative Care Management
DCO Commercial Floors
Document Destruction Services
Ebenezer Baptist Church West
Elwood & Goetz
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Epting Events
Erastus CWF
Escoe Industrial Contractors, Inc.
First American Bank & Trust
Fleet Feet Sports
Fortson, Bentley & Griffin, P.A.
Fuel Hot Yoga
George's Lowcountry Table
Georgia Power Company
Grahl Construction
Heyward Allen Toyota
Mrs. Kathy Hoard
Hologic
Hughes Subaru
Jackson EMC Foundation
Johnson & Johnson
Kendra Scott LLC
Kidney Clinic of Athens
Landcare USA LLC
Lindsay Transfer and Storage
Lukas' Fund Inc.
Marti's at Midday
McGarity's Business Products
McLeroy Family Foundation
Medicinal Whiskey Charity
Lanier Financial Group
Pellicano Construction
Phil Hughes Honda
Primrose School of Athens
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Sorrells Scott
Mrs. Kari E. Abernathy and Mr. Jason G. Smith
Superior Air Management
Synovus Bank
Tanger Properties LP
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe - Athens
The Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, Inc.
The Sign Bros
Turner Family Foundation, Inc.
UGA Institute of Gerontology
Mr. and Mrs. Nate Vacher
University Vascular
Walton Electric Trust, Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wilson
