The executive director of the Trenton Memorial Hospital Foundation is calling it a career.
Wendy Warner announced her retirement at the foundation’s Annual General Meeting Wednesday at Quinte West City Hall.
Former board chair, Director Darrell Smith says Warner’s passion was unmatched.
“Wendy was our beacon as to where we were going to go. She has a very strong commitment to this entire community and we have been the beneficiaries of that for 20 years.”
Board Chair Tina Furmidge, who also completed her final meeting with the board, gave a touching tribute and goodbye for Warner, who is also a good friend.
“And for that reason, she’ll be missed. I wish her all the best. She’s got a few family members here. I’ll say we’ve had her for 20 years and we’re giving her back.”
“I’m so grateful for all that we’ve achieved together and all those things that have made TMH my second home. I’ve made many great friendships, I’ve learned a lot, I’m very confident that the foundation has been left in good hands, with a strong team.”
Lindsay Butcher Dodds has been named Interim Executive Director.
Listen to Wendy’s full message to the board below:
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TMHF Executive Director Wendy Warner (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Warner listed some of her career highlights:
- The facilitation of Our TMH, the “saving” of TMH from closure;
- The creation of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Program aka Docs by the Bay;
- The development of the Kay Stafford Fund to include: Community Grants, Student and College bursaries, hospital staff education and bridging opportunities for those pursuing various nursing paths;
- Acquiring the first $1 million individual donor gift from Michael and Shirley Wade.
- Raising more than $41 million for medical equipment and new programs at TMH such as Cystoscopy, Comprehensive Breast Assessment Centre, Children’s Treatment Center, Medical Day Clinic, Dental Surgery and others.
- Relaunched the Golf Classic (aka currently in memory of John Smylie) and Gala to raise millions of dollars for the hospital; launched Grapes of Wrath, Radiothon, Inside the Heart of TMHF on Cogeco, Healthy Half Marathon and many more.
- Wrote and developed all Policies, Establishing an Operational Fund to cover staffing and professional costs, initiated TMHF Supplemental Letters Patent in 2013 to secure donations in perpetuity, participated in the re-branding of TMHF;
- Established a Volunteer Program, Staff Fundraising Campaign, Monthly Giving Program, Phil Panelas Philanthropic Council, Student Advisory Council, Doris and Wes Rees Physician Education Fund;
- Developed various high profile fundraising campaigns such as: Buy-a-Bed, Corporate Partners Program, HomeBuild for Healthcare (5), Imagine Campaign, Drive for Care;
- Initiated the recognition of many local individuals, service clubs and businesses to receive regional and national awards for their philanthropic and volunteer activities at the hospital.
