Lakeland, FL – Lakeland Regional Health announced its Philanthropist of the Year and Advocate of the Year honorees during a special program this evening at the Hollis Cancer Center.
The Lakeland Regional Health Foundation recognized Lynn Darracott Hollis and her family as 2016 Philanthropist of the Year.
Mrs. Hollis is an active community servant, devoting her time to various causes, including Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) and her church, First United Methodist. During her 57-year marriage to Mark C. Hollis, the couple gave back to the community to help organizations they held dear to their hearts. Beneficiaries included Florida Southern College and Stetson University in DeLand, which honored the couple with the University’s most prestigious honor, the George and Mary Hood Award. The couple raised three sons, Clayton, Jack and Dean, and were blessed with 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Hollis spent nearly 60 years of his life guiding and inspiring workers and customers at Publix Super Markets Inc., serving as company president for 12 years. Mr. Hollis passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer in 2012. In November 2015, the Hollis family made an unprecedented $5 million donation to the Foundation, and the Hollis Cancer Center was renamed in honor of Mark C. Hollis.
“Lynn Hollis and her family have demonstrated their passion for patient-centered care by providing crucial support for the nationally recognized healthcare that Lakeland Regional Health delivers,” said William K. Pou, Jr., Chairman, Lakeland Regional Health Foundation Board of Directors.
The health system recognized Hunt Berryman as Advocate of the Year. Mr. Berryman spent 11 years providing support and insight as a member of the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation Board of Directors, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, he served on the Lakeland Regional Health Board of Directors for nine years, serving as Chair from 1998 to 1999. Mr. Berryman spearheaded the Foundation’s Lights for Life NICU campaign, serving as campaign chairman and helping to raise more than $500,000 to buy 15 new NICU beds. Mr. Berryman and his wife Mary Berryman were honored by the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation as Philanthropists of the Year in 2007, and their work in the community continues today.
Mr. Berryman completes his four-year term on the Polk County School Board this year. He also serves on the Polk County Value Adjustment Board, the Florida School Boards Association Board of Directors, the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition and the Polk Vision Board of Directors. He previously served as Chairman or President of the following Boards: Polk Businesses for World Class Education, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Polk County, Learning Resource Center, Citrus Center Kiwanis, Central Florida Development Council, Leadership Learning Academy, and the Drug Prevention Resource Center. Mr. Berryman is retired from a 35-year career with Sunco Carriers, where he served as President and CEO. He is an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland.
“Hunt Berryman is a tireless and dedicated advocate for the well-being of the patients, family members, and community we are privileged to serve,” said Jay Mulaney, MD, Chairman of LRMC/LRHS Board of Directors.
“We are so grateful for the tremendous support of our community. Our donors inspire us every day to seek greater excellence in our work to deliver the best outcomes and safest care.” said Elaine C. Thompson, Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO.
In addition to the awards presentation at tonight’s event, students from Harrison School for the Performing Arts performed musical numbers with esteemed Broadway actress Julie Reiber. Ms. Reiber has thrilled Broadway audiences in Wicked the Musical, Newsies, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, BKLYN, and All Shook Up. Her TV/Film credits include FX’s The Americans and the film Freeheld. In 2012, Ms. Reiber released her debut album, Love Travels, a fusion of Broadway, pop, folk and R&B/soul.
“It always feels good to give back, especially by performing and doing something I love with such amazing and talented students,” said Julie Reiber, who lives in New York City with her husband and two young children.
“I met Tim Boynton during my Broadway debut performing in BKLYN, when he was the assistant to the writer, and we immediately hit it off,” Ms. Reiber said. “Tim is the sweetest, kindest spirit. When he asked me to sing for a cause important to him, I did not hesitate to lend my support.”
“Tonight’s event was about celebrating exceptional people in exceptional ways and sharing that experience with our generous donors,” said Tim Boynton, Associate Vice President, Lakeland Regional Health Foundation.
About Lakeland Regional Health Foundation
The Lakeland Regional Health Foundation was created as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1971 to support Lakeland Regional Health’s work to deliver nationally recognized healthcare, strengthen the health of the community and advance the future of healthcare for those it serves. 100% of all donations are invested in clinical programs, facilities and equipment used to care for patients. For more information about Lakeland Regional Health Foundation, visit http://foundation.myLRH.org.