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Area philanthropists and leaders gathered to support the Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation at their annual gala on Friday night.

Funds raised by this year’s event will be used for cardio pulmonary rehab expansion. Covenant Health President and CAO of Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System Gordon Lintz praised the work of the Foundation and the work it does to improve healthcare for area patients.

“In the past year, donors and supporters like yourselves have been able to establish endowments to support cardiopulmonary rehab patient scholarships, clinical continuing education and physician recruitment, as well as provide funding for patient assistance, critical clinical training and certifications for our staff,” Lintz said. “You make a difference.”

“As our community continues to grow, so do the healthcare needs of our community. The role of our Foundation becomes even more important.”

In addition to raising support for cardiopulmonary rehab, awards were given to honor significant contributions to area healthcare.

Carolyn Holt-Clawson was presented the Healthcare Hero Award which honors a healthcare professional whose skill and compassion exemplify the hospital’s commitment to excellence. With over 30 years of service at Morristown-Hamblen, Carolyn Holt-Clawson has held many roles, including registered dietician and now volunteer coordinator. Her leadership and compassion have touched countless lives. She also helped establish two endowments totaling $100,000 for the hospital’s foundation, ensuring lasting support for patients and families.

“I feel deeply honored and humbled to receive this award. I share this award with many healthcare colleagues I have had the honor to practice with, the patients and their families who trusted me with their care, and my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me,” said Holt-Clawson. “Healthcare is not an easy path. It demands resilience, compassion and a willingness to keep learning. It has been a privilege.”

Walters State Community College was presented with the Community Impact Partner Award which recognizes a community organization that supports healthcare in the Lakeway area and contributes to Covenant Health’s vision of clinical excellence.

“The Community Impact Partner Award, sponsored this year by Clayton Homes, recognizes a community organization that values and supports healthcare in the Lakeway community and contributes to the hospital’s vision of clinical excellence,” the evening’s MC and WJDT/WBGQ General Manager Todd Quillen said. “Walters State has been a dedicated partner to Covenant Health, playing a vital role in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through a clinical rotation partnership, students gain hands-on experience at three Covenant Health hospitals: Morristown-Hamblen, LeConte and Claiborne. This partnership not only equips students with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality care, but it also creates a natural pathway for them to begin their careers within Covenant Health.”

Carl and Sandy Storms were presented with the Philanthropic Legacy Award which recognizes that “recognizes and celebrates transformative leaders who exemplify Covenant Health’s commitment to being the first and best choice for the community.”

Carl and his wife Sandy are long-time supporters of Morristown-Hamblen and numerous nonprofits across the region. Carl serves on the hospital’s board of directors and played a key role in the oncology capital campaign, honoring Ed and Jean Storms with a generous gift.

Recently the Storms established the Morristown-Hamblen Physician Recruitment Excellence Endowment to support and encourage the best and brightest physicians to establish their practices in the Lakeway region. Their legacy of compassion and generosity continues to shape healthcare in the community.

“Sandy and I are honored to receive this recognition. We feel very fortunate to be able to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the years,” Carl Storms said. “It is our hope that we can inspire others to give. Equipment, medicine and patient care are all important, but without quality physicians, those things are of little use. We chose to help bring those physicians to our community.”

MHHS’s Associate Medical Director Dr. Mark Harrell was presented the Lifetime Commitment to Healthcare Award which honors a Morristown-Hamblen physician who demonstrates leadership and exemplifies Covenant Health’s mission to improve the quality of life through better health.

In addition to his work at the hospital, Harrell is also the medical director for the paramedic program at Walters State Community College. He and his wife, Michelle, are passionate about medical missions and enjoy traveling together.

“To me, this award isn’t just a personal milestone. It is a reflection of the collective resilience and dedication of the teams I’ve worked alongside for decades,” said Dr. Harrell. “There is a unique weight – and a unique joy – to practicing medicine in the community that raised you. You aren’t just treating a diagnosis. You are caring for the fabric of your own community.”