Benefactor Recognition
CentraCare Foundation Board of Directors presented La Gratitude on April 20 and May 18, 2023.
This event recognizes and thanks philanthropic leaders for their generous support of CentraCare and our community.
Click on the names below to see more about their awards.
St. Cloud Recipients on May 18:
- Lifetime Achievement: Art and Barb Grachek
- Beacon Award: Lester Engel
- Service to Foundation: Chris Shorba
- Rising Star: Tom D. St. Hilaire
- Caduceus Award: Dr. Kurt Schwieters
And the evening included a special tribute to Bob Feuling, Don Helgeson, and Bob and Sandy Sexton to honor them for their contributions to support CentraCare and our community.
Willmar Recipients on April 20
- Tradition of Caring: Dr. Tod and Lori Speer
- Service to Foundation: Brad Schmidt
- Corporate Partner of the Year: Chappell Central
Art and Barb Grachek
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes benefactors for their years of giving, service to CentraCare, community engagement and history of generosity.
Lester Engel
2023 Beacon Award
This award recognizes benefactors who are committed to leaving their legacy to CentraCare and building a healthier tomorrow.
Chris Shorba
2023 Service to the Foundation Award
This award recognizes benefactors for their work, commitment, and generosity as philanthropists as well as their “over the top” service to CentraCare.
Tom D. St. Hilaire
2023 Rising Star Award
This award recognizes “rising star” benefactors for their dedication, commitment, involvement, and philanthropy to CentraCare.
Kurt Schwieters, MD
2023 Caduceus Award
This award is presented to a physician who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and humanitarian and/or charitable medical efforts to their community in Central Minnesota. The Caduceus Award nominees are nominated by their peers and selected by members of the Caduceus Committee. Learn more about the Caduceus Society.
Dr. Tod and Lori Speer
2023 Tradition of Caring Award
This award recognizes benefactors for their generous financial support for programs, services and/or volunteer service to benefit health care.
Brad Schmidt
2023 Service to the Foundation Award
This award recognizes benefactors for their work, commitment, and generosity as philanthropists as well as their “over the top” service to CentraCare.
Chappell Central
2023 Corporate Partner of the Year Award
This award recognizes benefactors who have made philanthropic contributions, event sponsorships, cause marketing, and/or in-kind donations over that past year that have greatly impacted the mission of CentraCare.