Foundation Gala Raises over $190,000
January 05, 2026
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation celebrated an evening of philanthropy and community support at its annual Elizabethan Gala on Friday, Nov. 7, raising more than $190,000 to support new technology and equipment for HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. This year’s gala also served as an opportunity to celebrate the hospital’s 150th anniversary year.
The event welcomed more than 325 guests, marking the Foundation’s highest gala attendance since the pandemic. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, a brief program and live entertainment by Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, which proved to be a crowd favorite.
“This year’s Elizabethan Gala was a remarkable celebration of our community’s generosity and our shared dedication to the mission of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital,” said David Garris, Market Director of HSHS Southern Illinois Foundations. “As we honor the 150-year legacy of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital providing health care for Southwestern Illinois, it is truly inspiring to see so many individuals and businesses unite in support of the work of our Foundation.”
During the program, the Foundation presented the 2025 Elizabethan Award to the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, recognizing their 150-year legacy of service to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the communities of Southwestern Illinois.
“The Elizabethan Award was created to honor the continuing partnership between the hospital and the community. It was especially fitting to present the 2025 Elizabethan Award to the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the very founders of this partnership, during the hospital’s 150th anniversary. Presenting the award was a true honor and a meaningful tribute to their legacy and the foundation they established,” said Garris.
In 1875, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis traveled from Germany to begin caring for the communities of Central and Southwestern Illinois, founding St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville (relocated to O’Fallon in 2017), St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. For 150 years, HSHS has carried forth the Mission of the Hospital Sisters to embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry.
The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all attendees, sponsors and donors whose generosity continues to support the mission and healing legacy of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the community.
The event welcomed more than 325 guests, marking the Foundation’s highest gala attendance since the pandemic. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, a brief program and live entertainment by Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, which proved to be a crowd favorite.
“This year’s Elizabethan Gala was a remarkable celebration of our community’s generosity and our shared dedication to the mission of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital,” said David Garris, Market Director of HSHS Southern Illinois Foundations. “As we honor the 150-year legacy of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital providing health care for Southwestern Illinois, it is truly inspiring to see so many individuals and businesses unite in support of the work of our Foundation.”
During the program, the Foundation presented the 2025 Elizabethan Award to the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, recognizing their 150-year legacy of service to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the communities of Southwestern Illinois.
“The Elizabethan Award was created to honor the continuing partnership between the hospital and the community. It was especially fitting to present the 2025 Elizabethan Award to the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, the very founders of this partnership, during the hospital’s 150th anniversary. Presenting the award was a true honor and a meaningful tribute to their legacy and the foundation they established,” said Garris.
In 1875, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis traveled from Germany to begin caring for the communities of Central and Southwestern Illinois, founding St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville (relocated to O’Fallon in 2017), St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. For 150 years, HSHS has carried forth the Mission of the Hospital Sisters to embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry.
The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all attendees, sponsors and donors whose generosity continues to support the mission and healing legacy of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the community.
Media Contact
Kelly Barbeau
System Director, Communications & Public Relations