Get to know: Sharon Hughart, Market Director Mission

How does gratitude influence your decision to support our mission through giving?

Gratitude is certainly part of my giving. I choose to send my dollars to programs for which I am grateful. This especially includes the Dignity Health Foundation East Valley. I firmly support employee giving and believe that even $5.00 per paycheck can make a difference. I also appreciate all that the Foundation, Board, and our community donors do for staff. What became really evident from the community during the pandemic, continues with small things appreciated by our staff.

What inspires you to give to the Dignity Health Foundation East Valley?

I was able to memorialize my Mother in Law through the Foundation. Diane passed away the same weekend that my East Valley team was stricken with a 92% rate of covid19. Within 3 days, we were one of the first departments at CRMC to be impacted with a large rate of absence during the pandemic. The Foundation, Senior Leaders, and other departments helped my 7x24 team when there were just two or three of us left to cover around the clock service. It would not have been sustainable without help. Though the pandemic prevented us from traveling and gathering to share in our grief at the time, I am able to show my gratitude for a wonderful person (my Mother in-law) by sponsoring a patient room. We all need a little help and the Foundation helps ensure we can serve those in need in the community, as well as those in our company.

How does your work at Dignity Health connect with and help fulfill the organization’s mission and vision?

I have long felt connected to the mission and values of our organization and I believe that is why I have been here for 21 years.  As a leader and Mercy Affiliate at St. Joseph's Hospital, and now as the Market Mission Director, I have been given the opportunity to carry on the legacy of our founding congregations. I have had the privilege of demonstrating our mission and values through giving, leadership of people teams, education and formation (sharing, discernment, and training others on our Mission and Values). Compassion, Inclusion, Excellence, Collaboration and Integrity; those values and our people that demonstrate them, are ALL bolstered with our Foundation programs that support the hospitals, programs, departments, and even individual employees in need through the HERO program (Helping Employees Reach Others).

Is there a particular program, service, or fund that holds a special place in your heart or that you prefer to support?

I really appreciate the Healing Hour Club. It is so easy to give from PTO each pay period (or make a bulk PTO donation). I have been with the organization 21 years, for everyone, but especially tenured folks, I believe the Healing Hour Club helps them demonstrate gratitude for our mission, as well as help manage their PTO so they don't "cap out" or stop accruing. That seems like a win/win to me!

Over the years, I have directed funds to support the "Area of Greatest Need" as well as Women's Imaging and Cancer services, Training and Education, and also to Disaster Relief from Tornados to wildfires that impacted colleagues in other regions.