Donor Impact

The ProMedica Emerging Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented to a young professional who demonstrates exceptional support of our mission. We are proud to recognize Nikki McCarthy as our Emerging Philanthropist of the Year. 

Nikki is the founder of Sam’s Fans, created in memory of her daughter, Samantha Jane McCarthy, who was diagnosed at age six with Fanconi Anemia. Despite her illness, Sam embraced life with courage and joy, finding comfort in Music and Art Therapy during her hospital stays.  Inspired by Sam, Nikki and her husband Dan founded Sam’s Fans in 2015 to bring the healing power of Music and Art Therapy to seriously ill children. 

The ProMedica Volunteer of the Year award is given to an individual or group whose selfless and dedicated service has made a significant difference in the lives of our patients, families, and community. The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Chris Mahoney.

Chris has provided years of dedicated volunteer leadership, serving on the Metro Foundation Board and leading the Flower Hospital Golf Outing planning committee. Through his guidance, commitment, and advocacy, Chris has strengthened the Hospital’s mission and inspired community engagement, ensuring that ProMedica continues to have the support and resources needed to provide exceptional care.

The Junior Philanthropist of the Year award is given to child who has selflessly raised funds and/or volunteered to help improve the health and well-being of others. These young people have inspired their community to be generous, making a positive impact on someone’s life. 

We are proud to recognize Luke Wolfrum for his remarkable generosity and initiative. At just 10 years old, Luke transformed a simple idea into a powerful act of giving. What began as a plan to raise money for a lifejacket grew into a weekend hot dog stand that raised $3,027, all donated to Kaitlyn’s Cottage, a respite facility for individuals with special needs on the ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital campus. 

The ProMedica Philanthropist of the Year Award is given by the ProMedica Foundation to an individual who sets a standard of excellence in the health and well-being of our community. This year’s honoree left a legacy of generosity that continues to make a lasting impact through his Lee N. Koenig Legacy Fund.

 A longtime CEO of Crown Battery, Lee N. Koenig’s vision and commitment to giving back have made history. His legacy gift is providing transformative support to local nonprofits and educational institutions across Sandusky County, ensuring that his impact will be felt for generations to come.  Lee’s gift to ProMedica specifically supports the Dorothy L. Kern Cancer Center at ProMedica Memorial Hospital in Fremont—a fitting tribute to the Koenig family’s personal connection to cancer care. Lee’s children—Brian, Sue, and Amy—carry forward his vision, ensuring that his legacy of generosity, leadership, and commitment to improving the community continues.

The ProMedica Friend of the Foundation Award is given to a board member or other friends of the foundation who have demonstrated outstanding service to ProMedica through the giving of their time, talents, and resources to further the goals and objectives of the foundation. 

This year, we are proud to recognize Molly Luempert-Coy for her unwavering dedication to ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital and her tireless commitment to advancing its mission. Through her board service, community engagement and work through DTE Energy, Molly has become a true champion for the Hospital—coordinating resources, fostering meaningful connections, and inspiring others to give, volunteer, and support.

The ProMedica Philanthropy Champion of the Year is awarded to a physician who has shown exemplary service to ProMedica patients and the community. This recognition honors those who are advocates for outstanding health care—demonstrating compassion, hope, and healing both inside and outside the hospital.

This year, we are proud to recognize Dr. Paul Gietzen as the Physician Philanthropy Champion of the Year.  Dr. Gietzen serves as an Internal Medicine Provider and Vice President of Medical Affairs at ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, where he pairs exceptional leadership with a deep commitment to advancing care for patients and families.

The ProMedica Philanthropy Champion of the Year is awarded to an employee who has shown exemplary service to ProMedica patients and the community.

We are proud to recognize Ryan Shoemaker, Vice President of Facilities and Construction, as the Employee Philanthropy Champion of the Year. Ryan is known as a connector—someone who builds bridges, fosters collaboration, and isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and get involved. A true “boots on the ground” leader, he approaches every project and partnership with authenticity and heart. Beyond his professional contributions, Ryan personally supports ProMedica and leads by example—demonstrating that giving back isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we live every day.

The Grateful Patient and Family award is given to an individual who set a standard of excellence in the health and well-being of our community.

This year’s recipient is Marla Dooner. Marla, a retired ProMedica employee, understands the value of exceptional care firsthand. This year, she made a generous gift to our Neuroscience Signature Event in honor of the outstanding care her husband received before his passing from a stroke. Her donation reflects her deep gratitude and her commitment to supporting others who benefit from the same compassionate care.