Culture of Philanthropy

Please take a moment to read the frequently asked questions for nominating a Mission Partner for the 2024 OSF Culture of Philanthropy Pearl Award.

Three Mission Partners, one from each region, will be selected as the Culture of Philanthropy Pearl Award recipients.

What is the Culture of Philanthropy?

The Culture of Philanthropy is deeper than supporting a charity. It is an understanding of the impact one can make through sharing a vision and embracing a partnership with our patients, families and the OSF HealthCare Foundation. By fostering a Culture of Philanthropy, our Mission Partners provide instrumental support of the Sisters’ Mission to ‘serve with the greatest care and love.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Eligible nominees are Mission Partners from each region who are dedicated to the Mission of OSF HealthCare, Jump Innovation or Ministry Services, invested in improving our Ministry, involved in their local community and committed to the advancing the philanthropic efforts of the OSF HealthCare Foundation.

Previous year recipients are not eligible for nomination the year immediately following being selected.

If a previous year nominee was not selected as a Regional Honoree, they are eligible to be nominated again.
You may not nominate yourself.
Multiple nominations of the same person does not affect the chances of the nominee’s selection.
An individual may nominate more than one person.

Who are the past Pearl Award Recipients?

2024 Pearl Award: Paula Carynski, Ryan Luginbuhl and The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary

2023 Pearl Award: Michelle Carrothers, Kelly Jefferson and Breanne Cinnamon

2022 Pearl Award: Eileen Knightly

2021 Pearl Award: Dr. James McGee

2020 Pearl Award: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, no award was presented

2019 Pearl Award: Ajay Pathak

2018 Pearl Award: Dr. John Vozenilek

2017 Pearl Award: Dr. Richard Pearl

What criteria is used to select the winners and who makes the selections?

The OSF HealthCare Foundation leadership focus on nominees who foster our Culture of Philanthropy and raise awareness of the Foundation that supports the Sisters’ Mission “to serve with greatest care and love.” Please list all, including awards or certificates, volunteer activities and personal achievements you believe distinguishes your nominee. All candidates need to show a high level of commitment for their hospital and community.

When will the recipients be selected and how do I know if my nominee was selected?

Each recipient will be selected by the beginning of October. Chosen nominees and their nominator(s) will be contacted via email if selected.

What is the Pearl Award?

In addition to being selected as one of the five regional honorees, one honoree will be selected to receive The Pearl Award. The Pearl Award was established by OSF HealthCare Foundation, recognizes contributions to philanthropic excellence, compassionate care and visionary leadership that will transform health care. The Pearl Award was established in recognition of Dr. Rick Pearl, former director of pediatric trauma and surgeon in-chief at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois and current director of surgical simulation at Jump. In recognition of Dr. Pearl’s profound demonstration of the Culture of Philanthropy and his relationships and involvement with the Foundation, the distinguished award was created.

May I submit my nomination anonymously?

No, we ask that we have a nominator’s name attached to each nominee’s submission.

What is expected of the recipients?

Each recipient must work with the Foundation Events team to ensure the accuracy of the information we have received. They must also provide an updated headshot for the program and presentation. They must also be able to attend the Culture of Philanthropy Celebration, October 23, 2024.

Are nominators of the winning candidates encouraged to attend the awards ceremony?

It’s not required that nominators attend the event, but we hope that you would attend and celebrate your winning recipient.

What should I wear to the awards ceremony?

Business attire is appropriate.

Is dinner served at the awards ceremony?

Food and beverage will be available prior to the start of the program.

May my children attend the awards ceremony?

Alcohol will be served at the event, so we leave that up to your discretion.

Do the recipients give a speech?

Each recipient should prepare a few remarks. All recipients will be called to the stage individually as presenters read short biographies of them.

Whom can I contact if I have questions?

If you have additional questions regarding the Culture of Philanthropy Celebration, please email foundation.events@osfhealthcare.org.