Mission Hospital Foundation Honors Tom and Pam Bender

Tom and Pam Bender truly lead by example. They believe that giving back to the community is both an obligation and a social responsibility, and hope that their philanthropy will stimulate others to give. Mission Hospital Foundation recently recognized the Benders’ Spirit of Giving and honored them with the Sister Martha Ann Fitzpatrick Vision Award. 

The Vision Award was established in 1993 and was then renamed the Sister Martha Ann Fitzpatrick Vision Award in 2006.  The award honors Sister Martha Ann Fitzpatrick, vice president, advocacy and ministry formation at Mission Hospital and celebrates an individual or group for living the core values of Mission Hospital (Dignity, Service, Excellence and Justice) and working to bring people together to foster a shared responsibility for the quality of life in our community.

“Tom and Pam are well deserving of this award, having provided substantial support to the hospital in various ways,” said Sister Martha Ann Fitzpatrick, St. Joseph Health Vice President for Advocacy and namesake of the award.  “In addition to supporting projects to expand our Emergency Department, enhance the Maternity Center and most recently helping to create the Neuroscience and Spine Institute, they have actively encouraged friends and colleagues to become more fully engaged with Mission Hospital. Tom and Pam have hosted numerous cultivation events at their home featuring neuro interventional radiologist Dr. Todd Lempert. Further, they have taught their family – the next generation – what it means to care for others and to give unselfishly.”

Tom has served on the Foundation Board since 2006.  He and Pam are Honorary Co-Chairs for the Foundation’s comprehensive campaign and members of the Philanthropist Circle. 

“The Benders are incredible examples of what the Spirit of Giving truly means,” said Cathleen Collins, Chief Development Officer for Mission Hospital.  “Their focus is to serve others in meaningful ways, as part of their daily lives, and they believe that by sharing that focus, the people of our community will live happier and healthier lives. Tom and Pam are truly inspiring.”

For more information about the Spirit of Giving and Mission Hospital Foundation, please visit mission4health.com or call the Foundation office at (949) 364-7783.