The Morristown-Hamblen Hospital Foundation will host its annual fundraising Gala on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Morristown Landing.

This signature event will celebrate four outstanding individuals and organizations whose dedication to healthcare and community has made a lasting impact on the Lakeway area.

The Gala is a celebration of philanthropy, community spirit and the shared commitment to making Covenant Health the first and best choice for healthcare in East Tennessee. All proceeds will benefit Covenant Health’s Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System.

2026 Award

Recipients

• The Lifetime Commitment to Healthcare Award honors Dr. Mark Harrell. This award honors a Morristown-Hamblen physician who demonstrates leadership and exemplifies Covenant Health’s mission to improve the quality of life through better health.

Born and raised in Hamblen County, Dr. Harrell has dedicated his career to emergency medicine and community service.

He serves as associate medical director at Morristown-Hamblen, is an active member of the hospital’s medical executive committee and 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 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.”

• The Philanthropic Legacy Award honors Carl and Sandy Storms. This award recognizes transformative leaders who exemplify Covenant Health’s commitment to being the first and best choice for the community. Carl and 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,” said Mr. Storms. “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.”

• The Community Impact Partner Award honors Walters State Community College. This award recognizes a community organization that supports healthcare in the Lakeway area and contributes to Covenant Health’s vision of clinical excellence. 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.

Chris Cates, assistant VP for college advancement at Walters State, said, “Walters State is honored to receive this community impact award. The award is even more meaningful as we celebrate our nursing program’s 50th year. The clinical training your hospital provides to our students is key to their comprehensive education.”

• The Healthcare Hero Award honors Carolyn Holt-Clawson. This award 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 [HF5.1]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.”

Chip Bryant, vice president of philanthropy for Covenant Health, says, “We are very excited to honor these four award winners this year at the Gala. The event is a signature opportunity for the community to come together and honor these deserving individuals and organizations, while also supporting the healthcare needs of the hospital’s patients and their families. We are very grateful!”

Gala guests will enjoy an evening filled with great food and drinks, live entertainment by the Mikki Norwood Band, and heartfelt recognition of the honorees. For more information about the Gala and how you can participate, please call 423-492-5602, email foundations@covhlth.com, or visit morristownhamblen.com/gala.