Spectrum Health Foundation Honors Ethie Haworth

The Spectrum Health Foundation honored volunteer and philanthropist Ethie Haworth as the 2011 recipient of its Art of Giving Award. The honor was presented at the foundation’s annual celebration of philanthropy dinner on September 13, 2011.

The Art of Giving Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated uncommon service and leadership to Spectrum Health, its foundations and the West Michigan community. This prestigious award recognizes an individual’s extraordinary volunteer service, leadership and commitment to improving the health of our community through philanthropy.

Ethie Haworth has a long-standing commitment to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. In 2004, Mrs. Haworth proposed a new project that would provide the children’s hospital with a continuous supply of toys. Her goal was to help kids be kids as they battled illness and injury, and, in some cases, battled for their lives. A former toy store owner, she still has the insight and connections to buy the newest toys available. Whether toys for boys or girls, siblings or special celebrations, her love of toys and children brightens the life of patients of all ages.

In addition to her ongoing toy program, Mrs. Haworth served as co-chair of the capital campaign to build the new Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. The campaign raised an unprecedented $103 million in community support.

Richard C. Breon, President & CEO, Spectrum Health, said, “Ethie has the extraordinary ability to inspire others and lead by example. She’s insightful, action-oriented and loves children. Spectrum Health is grateful for Ethie’s dedication and caring spirit. Her ongoing commitment to thousands of children throughout West Michigan and beyond is an inspiration to all.”

Ethie and her husband, Dick, live in Holland, Michigan.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of nine hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a state of the art children’s hospital that opened in January 2011, and 180 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart, physician groups totaling more than 600 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with 625,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with more than 17,800 employees. The organization provided $115.9 million in community benefit during its 2010 fiscal year. In 2011 and 2010, Spectrum Health was named a Top 10 Health System by Thomson Reuters.