HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation Honors Hospital Sisters of St. Francis at Annual Elizabethan Gala

O’FALLON, Ill. — On Friday, Nov. 7, at the 2025 Elizabethan Gala fundraiser, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation will present the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis with the 2025 Elizabethan Award. The award recognizes the Hospital Sisters and their commitment to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the community of Southwestern Illinois for 150 years.
 
In 1875, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis came from Germany to begin caring for the communities of Central and Southwestern Illinois, founding St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville (relocated to O’Fallon in 2017), St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. For 150 years, HSHS has carried forth the Mission of the Hospital Sisters to embody Christ’s healing love for all people through our high-quality Franciscan health care ministry.
 
“Our foundation’s story began with a bold partnership between the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis and the local community—a shared commitment to healing that continues to guide us today. The Elizabethan Award was established to recognize this partnership,” said Dave Garris, Director of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Foundation. “In this our 150th year, we are honored to celebrate the legacy of that partnership by presenting the 2025 Elizabethan Award to our founders.”
 
First established in 1983 as the “Elizabethan Holiday” luncheon and fashion show by the St. Elizabeth’s Auxiliary, the annual event has evolved into what is now known as the “Elizabethan Gala.” Since its establishment as a fundraising event in 2012, the Gala has raised nearly $1.8 million for programs and equipment at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
 
The event will be held at the Regency Conference Center, 400 Regency Park in O’Fallon, and will feature a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, a short program and live entertainment by Howl at the Moon band.
 
For more information about sponsorship opportunities for this event, or to make reservations, visit steliz.org/gala.
 
For more information about HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, visit steliz.org.
 
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