Community News

Pardee gala honors Philanthropist, Physician of the Year, toasts 'next 30 years'

Dr. Stephen Gamboa was honored as the 2026 Physician of the Year at the hospital's annual gala..

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 3, 2026

Nearly 300 guests celebrated three decades of philanthropy, honored the 2026 Philanthropist and Physician of the Year and heard about a new commitment to adolescent behavioral healthcare during Pardee Royale, the Pardee Hospital Foundation’s signature summer event, on July 25 at Blue Ridge Community College.

Debbie Harris was honored as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year for her unwavering dedication to raising awareness and supporting patients and families across Western North Carolina.

A breast cancer survivor, Harris has transformed her personal journey into a commitment to giving back—championing access to cancer care and inspiring others through her generosity. Her passion for ensuring others receive the same compassionate care she experienced has made a substantial impact and truly reflects the power of philanthropy.
The foundation also recognized Dr. Stephen Gamboa as the 2026 Physician of the Year, praising his exceptional clinical excellence, compassionate patient care and leadership. An emergency medicine physician, Gamboa is respected not only for the outstanding care he provides to patients every date, but also for the calm, collaborative leadership he demonstrated during Hurricane Helene, his commitment to mentoring colleagues and his dedication to strengthening emergency care throughout the region.

Leaders announce teen treatment center

John Bryant, Pardee's vice president of operations and support services, opened the evening program and introduced TC Strong founder Rik Emaus. Emaus shared his personal story and his commitment to advancing adolescent behavioral health, reinforcing the importance of the foundation’s latest philanthropic initiative.

Guests also heard from Jay Kirby, Pardee president and CEO, who reflected on the Foundation’s 30-year legacy of community impact before inviting guests to raise a toast to the next 30 years of advancing healthcare through philanthropy.

Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation, seconded the salute.
"For 30 years, our community has shown what's possible when generosity meets purpose," she said. "As we celebrate this milestone, we're also looking ahead. The Adolescent Behavioral Health Center represents an important opportunity in our foundation's history to improve the lives of children and families, and we're inviting our community to help make that vision a reality."
During the program, foundation leaders invited the community to help establish a legacy of support for adolescent behavioral healthcare by donating to an outdoor healing environment for teens. Supporters will be recognized on a permanent donor recognition wall honoring those who help create a healing environment tailored to young patients being treated in the center.

A special commemorative video celebrated the donors, volunteers, healthcare leaders and community partners who have helped transform healthcare in Henderson County and across the surrounding communities.
Pardee Hospital Foundation extended its appreciation to presenting sponsors Vannoy Construction and LS3P, along with event sponsors, volunteers, planning committee members and supporters whose generosity made the entire evening possible.
As the foundation embarks on its next 30 years, leaders invite donors to become founding members of the Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health Center initiative and help create a legacy of hope, healing and compassionate care for generations to come.