The desire to serve others and stay involved in the South Texas community is an integral part of Elinor and Ben Donnell’s life.
For over 30 years, Elinor and Ben Donnell have been a significant part of the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System.
Ben witnessed the hospital’s tremendous growth firsthand while serving on the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Board. He saw the acquisition of the Kleberg and Beeville hospitals in 1985, the opening of CHRISTUS Spohn Alice campus in 1999 and the construction of South that was built to address the needs of the growing south-side of Corpus Christi. Recently, Ben and Elinor generously donated to the Our PATH Forward Capital Campaign to support the multi-million dollar project that helped construct and open the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Family Health Center and the progression of the Shoreline expansion.
With Ben’s involvement on the board, Elinor then became more involved as well serving on the Foundation Board for nine years and now as an Emeritus Director.
Mrs. Donnell, along with 21 other charter members in Corpus Christi, agreed to support an Ambassadors program to help foster communication and understanding of the services and health care provided by CHRISTUS Spohn Health System and advise the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Foundation on community issues and concerns. Elinor also served as chairwoman for multiple Lyceum events. “From an events standpoint, I have definitely enjoyed the Lyceums. The Lyceums were started because we wanted to bring something to Corpus Christi that we didn’t already have, and what we didn’t have were outside speakers of great caliber and that’s what the Lyceum continues to bring. I think most of the Lyceums have been just incredible and a tremendous asset not only to the benefit of the public but it has also benefitted Spohn financially,” said Mr. and Mrs. Donnell.
The Donnell’s belief in lifesaving work provided at CHRISTUS Spohn goes beyond their longtime connection to the Corpus Christi community and into their own family’s personal experiences as well. Ben states, “All of our children were born at CHRISTUS Spohn. Elinor has been a patient there, I have been treated there so it’s just part of our life. It’s hard for us to think of a life without Spohn.”
The Donnell’s have been steadfast in their support of CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital and its growth. The investment makes sense, as Ben reflects, “I like the contributions that Spohn has made to the community; they’re sort of immeasurable. Spohn has always tried to meet the community’s needs. It’s always been a premier hospital, it’s always been where we’ve been treated and where we’ve recommended people to be treated.”
We are grateful to the Donnell family for their active involvement with the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Foundation Board and in the community they serve. Their contributions of time and treasure, along with their vocal advocacy for the hospital, are sincerely appreciated. We couldn’t do any of this without their generous support.