He championed expanding the emergency center and the founding of the Bearden-Josey Center for Breast Health.

Rob Chapman's contributions in the area of health and wellness were immense.

Chapman was an influential businessman, philanthropist and civic leader in the Spartanburg community. To honor his legacy, the Spartanburg Regional Foundation created the Robert H. Chapman III Leadership Society.

Inductees include community members who have served two or more terms on the Foundation's Board of Trustees. These 15 leaders were recognized at the Foundation's Patrons of Hope Appreciation Gala on Aug. 24.

As he prepared to introduce the inductees, current Foundation board chair John Harrill, MD, reflected on Chapman's commitment to making the Upstate a healthier place.

“I could spend the next hour discussing Rob's leadership, his kind heart and his impact on others, and I would still never be able to do him justice,” Dr. Harrill said. “He was a special friend of mine and an amazing man, and his legacy continues to make a positive difference.”

Chapman died unexpectedly in 2017.

Honoring two-term board members

When board members serve two terms with the Spartanburg Regional Foundation board, they are committing themselves to years of service with health care.

Harrill said the Foundation's board leadership believed that inducting its two-term governing board members into the Robert H. Chapman III Leadership Society would be the perfect way to honor them, while paying tribute to Chapman's legacy.

The following leaders were recognized as members of the Robert H. Chapman III Leadership Society:

• G. Ashley Allen, PhD
• Jeff B. Berline
• Rob Chapman (deceased)
• Harrison S. Chapman (deceased)
• Phyllis B. DeLapp
• Marsha H. Gibbs
• Ellen H. Gramling
• Robert A. Harley (deceased)
• Katie A. Hodge (deceased)
• Julian C. Josey, Jr., MD
• Samuel H. Maw, Jr.
• Norman F. Pulliam
• L. Terrell Sovey, Jr.
• Thomas R. Young III

‘We broke all records'

The gala was also an opportunity for the Foundation to celebrate the contributions of its Society of 1921 donors. Executive director Kristy Caradori noted some of the Foundation's recent highlights.

“We broke all records in 2018 by giving back $9.9 million in one fiscal year to support the health of this community,” she said. “Investments by the Foundation last year were directed to projects across the system including all of our campus locations.”

The Foundation's largest contribution in the past year was its first installment of a $16 million commitment to the expansion of Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute at Pelham. This investment was made possible by the Foundation's largest-ever fundraising campaign.

The $72 million facility will be home to “world-class cancer care,” transforming the fight against cancer in the Upstate, Caradori said.

Actress and health advocate Marilu Henner was the guest speaker at the gala. Henner is known for her roles on TV's “Taxi” and the films “Johnny Dangerously” and “LA Story.” She has written numerous books on topics including nutrition, memory and family.

She was introduced by SRHS President and CEO Bruce Holstien. In his remarks, Holstien thanked attendees for their contributions to health and wellness.

“Your support for our Foundation makes a tremendous positive difference, allowing us to make strategic investments that have resulted in national recognition for our health system,” he said.

Learn more about Spartanburg Regional Foundation by visiting https://regionalfoundation.com/.