Richard M. and Yvonne Hamlin (seated) receive a standing ovation from guests at the 2018 Summa Society Celebration after being honored with the Boniface DeRoo Award for Philanthropy, the highest award for benefactors of Summa Health. Mrs. Hamlin is speaking to Ernest R. Estep, M.D., who received his own standing ovation earlier in the evening after being honored with the 2018 Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award, the health system's highest physician honor.

2018 Summa Society Celebration

On May 24, 2018, Summa Health honored its most generous donors and the powerful and lasting spirit of philanthropy at the annual Summa Society Celebration with more than 350 guests at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

The evening began with a special reception for members of the Thomas W. Cornell Society, which recognizes benefactors who have given $1 million or more to Summa Health. Cliff Deveny, M.D., interim president and chief executive officer of Summa Health, acknowledged their remarkable support for the health system with Anthony Lockhart, chair, Summa Health Board of Directors, and Thomas Clark, chair, Summa Health Foundation board of directors.

At the celebration, Dr. Deveny joined Clark, Lockhart and Phylis Ferrara, president, Summa Health Foundation and chief development officer, Summa Health, to thank guests for their generosity and assistance in strengthening the ability of Summa Health to provide the highest quality, compassionate care to patients, their families and the community.

Two prestigious awards were given to longtime friends of Summa Health. Ernest R. Estep, M.D., received the Summa Health Distinguished Physician Award, the health system's highest physician honor. Richard M. and Yvonne Hamlin received the Boniface DeRoo Award for Philanthropy -- the health system's highest philanthropic award.

Here is a gallery of photos from the event: