The Foundation Extends Its Sincere Appreciation to the Community
May 18, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 20 th Anniversary Gala, held on May 9, was a night to remember! From past Gala chairs and former Foundation director,
Jackie Thornton, kicking off the event, to the record-setting donations received as part of the Giving Moment, it was a fun and impactful celebration.
The reason for the night’s success is due to the generosity of this community. From the donors, sponsors, bidders, and game players to the volunteers and underwriters, it takes a village to make the Gala successful.
The estimated net income for the evening is $295,993.83, which is one of the event’s most profitable nights despite a few additional costs being incurred due to the weather postponement in January. Before the ice storm, the event was on track to clear the most in its 20-year history.
Hopkins County Foundation Chair Pam Black shared, “Our community is truly blessed to have a dedicated group of healthcare professionals serving Hopkins County. The Foundation works every day to support these professionals by helping provide the equipment, programs, and facilities needed to provide exceptional care close to home. The success of the gala is a reflection of the generosity and compassion of this community. On behalf of the Foundation, I want to sincerely thank everyone who helped make this event possbile.”
The Foundation Board of Directors had pledged $250,000 to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to help purchase equipment for the newly expanded surgical services wing. The remainder of the proceeds will go to other local healthcare initiatives.
Chairpersons for the “A Celebration of Twenty Years” Gala were Foundation Board members Pam Black, Sally Toliver, Heather Johnson, Bob Weaver, Kenny Rogers, Dr. Martin Fielder, and Don Sapaugh.
During the Gala’s twenty years, not including other fundraising initiatives conducted by the Foundation, almost $4 million net has been raised and 35 projects funded. The Gala is truly a party with a life-saving purpose!
In addition to the Gala, each year the Foundation conducts two other fundraisers that provide free local clinics, the Snowflake Campaign that funds a small healthcare project, and an ongoing major gifts program. As an IRS 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS.
To learn more about giving opportunities, please call 903-438-4799 or email [email protected].
Photo 1: A giant thanks to the community for generously supporting the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 20 th anniversary Gala! The 2026 Gala was chaired by seven of the Foundation Board of Directors. Co-chairs photographed at the Gala are, left to right, Bob Weaver, Heather Johnson, Sally Toliver, Pam Black, and Don Sapaugh. Missing from the photo are Dr. Martin Fielder and Kenny Rogers.
“A Celebration of Twenty Years” Gala brought in $295,993.83 net proceeds. Of that, $250,000
will go to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to purchase new equipment for
the expanded surgical wing.
Photo 2: Over the past twenty years, fifty-two local citizens have served as volunteer chairpersons of the annual Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Gala. Each one brought their own style and supporters to the event. This is what makes every year fresh and exciting! From famous country singer Johnny Lee and aerialists to a steel drum band and world-class taxidermy and mounts, you never know what magic is in store on Gala night. Photographed at the 2026 Gala are past Gala chairpersons along with the current chairs. This group represents ten years of Gala leadership.
Photo 3: As always, the Gala donors, sponsors, bidders, attendees, and volunteers make the evening successful. Thank you to everyone who assisted us in making the 2026 Gala another successful year! New surgical equipment will be purchased with $250,000 of the proceeds. See you in 2027 for another great, impactful evening.
