The Rowan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary was honored Thursday evening for its contribution to the Rowan Regional Medical Center Foundation at the 12th annual President’s Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn.

Accepting the President’s Award on behalf of all current and former auxiliary members were: Debbie Carter, current president; Carol Snow, 2006 president; JoAnn Smith, 2005 president; Charlotte Hall, 2004 president; Rosemarie Scherer, 2003 president; Jean Jordan, 2002 president; and Mary Goodman, 2001 president.

The auxiliary recently increased its financial commitment to the foundation’s “Partners in Progress” campaign with a pledge of $1 million, in support of the new emergency department and patient tower.

All told, campaign donors have provided gifts and pledges of more than $20 million toward the $25 million campaign goal.

Charles W. Elliott Jr., chief executive officer of Rowan Regional Medical Center, presented the award to auxiliary leaders. The Rowan Regional Auxiliary is the 20th recipient of the award, which was initiated by the foundation in 1995.

Elliott also updated guests on hospital programs, services and facilities.

The theme of the 2007 President’s Awards Dinner was “The Road to the Final Five.” Bob Skelton, executive director of the foundation, gave the capital campaign progress report as a pep rally to generate enthusiasm to raise the final $5 million of the $25 million goal.

Ronnie E. Smith, board chair for the foundation, led the rally. WSAT’s Buddy Poole and Patsy M. Reynolds and the Salisbury High School junior varsity cheerleaders assisted with the spirited program.

The contributions helped Rowan Regional Medical Center open a modern patient tower and a spacious emergency department last August. Additional funds are needed to complete the Smith Heart & Vascular Center and convert all patient rooms to private ones.

As a private, not-for-profit hospital, Rowan Regional Medical Center’s services and construction projects are not supported by tax dollars. Money for operations and building programs comes from revenue generated by patient services, gifts from families, community leaders and special grants.

For more information on tax-deductible contributions and naming and tribute opportunities available, contact Robert T. Skelton at 704-210-6880.