An Important Aspect of the Gala: The Honorees

December 16, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The very first Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala featured an honoree chairperson. As folks gathered for the first Gala on December 8, 2006 at the Lodge,
the emcees for the evening were Honoree Chair Bill Bradford and the Hopkins County Memorial
Hospital Board President Chad Young.

Bill Bradford, beloved local radio personality, station owner and champion of rural radio outlets, was recognized by this honorary distinction at that very first Gala. He did have to work a bit for the honor by serving as emcee along with Chad Young.

For the second Gala, held in December of 2007, Carolyn Stewart was tapped as the Honorary Gala Chair. Stewart, also a community leader and prominent newspaper owner, from the beginning was a loyal supporter of the Foundation and its need for a strong endowment to ensure the Foundation’s long-term success.

For the next Gala which was held in January, 2009, the phrasing was changed to Gala Honorees. Through the years the recognized individuals and organizations have included Mary Bonham, Hopkins County Veterans, Lynda Hager, HCMH Volunteer Auxiliary, Wanda and Wayne Galyean, Dee and Roger Elliott, Barbara and Mickey McKenzie, HCMH Board of Directors, Linda and Joe Bob Burgin, Past Gala Chairs, Peggy and Dr. Dietze, Leesa and Brian Toliver, Pam and Tom Sellers, Hopkins County EMS, Deborah and Dr. I.L. Balkcom, all medical care providers, and “all good things Hopkins County” including community Bible study, Echo Publishing and SS News Telegram, Hopkins County Chamber, Hopkins County Courthouse and Commissioners Court, Hopkins County Historical Society – Museum and Heritage Park, Hopkins County Memorial Hospital and Volunteer Auxiliary, Hospital County Regional Civic Center, Hopkins County United Way, KSST Radio and Bill Bradford, NE TX Choral Society, Southwest Dairy Museum, and Sulphur Springs Public Library.

This year’s honorees have a long family history of service to Hopkins County. Many big projects had involvement from one or both of these honorees or their family. As kind as they are compassionate, Sharon and Charles Helm are the very definition of philanthropic. Whether it is offering time, creativity, outside-the-box thinking, or just showing up to help, these two are there. Making connections and seeing things from a different angle are their fortés. They are both keen business people who can readily apply that structure to building community.

The Helms passion is to see CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs become a regional hospital. With the addition of more providers, new programs, and a litany of awards, the hospital is well on its way.

But the Helms recognize that the hospital needs community support as well. They graciously agreed to serve as chairs of the Spreading Our Wings Campaign that is bringing in funding to create a state-of-the art, expanded surgery wing to our community. Not only that, they have provided the lead gift while encouraging others to join them.

Upon hearing the news of the recognition, Charles said, “Wow. We didn’t expect that.” Just one more example of the humility Sharon and Charles are known for.

The Helms will be part of the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala slated for Saturday, January 24, 2026. Please join us as we look back at twenty years of fun, fundraising, and lifesaving impacts due to the Gala. It isn’t an event to be missed!

The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1997 by a group of Hopkins County visionary leaders. Still governed by all Hopkins County residents, the Foundation has donated of $8.3 million to Hopkins County healthcare.

Photo 1: The 2026 Gala Honorees are Sharon and Charles Helm! They have provided years of leadership,
support, and funding to help improve Hopkins County healthcare. Join the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on January 24, 2026 to learn more about the impact that the Helms, the Foundation, and the Gala have had on local healthcare. The Helms are photographed here at the 2013 Gala, themed Puttin’ On the Ritz. Visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com for sponsorships, tickets, or underwriting opportunities.

Photo 2: Sharon and Charles Helm chaired the 2018 Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala,
Jewel of the Nile. Proceeds of that Gala were used to purchase a High-Density Surgery Monitor, Pre-Vacuum Steam Sterilizer, LUCAS CPR device, Newborn hearing screening, ambulance cardiac monitor, and pressure sensor bed alarms.

The Helms are photographed here at the 2018 Gala with past chairs of this annual event. Front row, left to right, are Barbara McKenzie, Rhonda Young, Mary Bonham, Charles Helm, Sharon Helm, Peggy Dietze, Sheila Tanton, and Donna Rudzik. Back row are Mickey McKenzie, Craig Roberts, Pam Sellers, Tom Sellers, Dr. Bill Dietze, and Arvis Tanton.

You won’t want to miss this wonderful 20 th anniversary celebration! Get you tickets now at
Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.