--- title: September 2024 description: "Discover August-September updates at Partnership Health Center: 2024 Gala, John Sparks announces retirement, introducing PHC Direct, a new program for PHC." image: https://phcvaldosta.org/hubfs/Carvajal%2c%20main%20photo%20website.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/september2024#content) [![Partnership Health Center](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PHC-Logo-NEW-web.gif?width=1000&height=533&name=PHC-Logo-NEW-web.gif)](https://phcvaldosta.org/) Menu - [About Us](https://phcvaldosta.org/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Our Team](https://phcvaldosta.org/our-team) - [Services](https://phcvaldosta.org/services) - [For Patients](https://phcvaldosta.org/patient-info) - [Newsletter](https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews) - [Contact Us](https://phcvaldosta.org/contact-us) - [Donate Now](https://phcvaldosta.org/donate) Changing lives, families and communities! [(229) 245-0020(229) 245-0020](tel:+12292450020) # September 2024 [![Picture of Britt Eben](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BrittEben.jpg?width=80&name=BrittEben.jpg)](https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/author/britt-eben) [Britt Eben](https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/author/britt-eben) Sep 24, 2024 11 min read ![](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Carvajal%2c%20main%20photo%20website.jpg?length=320&name=Carvajal,%20main%20photo%20website.jpg) Photo above: Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Carvajal, President of VSU, shares his inspiring life story with the guests at the PHC 2024 Gala, Igniting Hope. ## 2024 Gala Success! We spent the evening of Sept. 17 igniting hope in Lowndes County! The music of the Richard Brito Jazz Trio filled the air amid the buzz of conversation. Community members mingled over cocktails, while perusing beautifully laid out silent auction offerings. Following the delicious meal, attendees were moved to laughter and tears by the messages of hope shared over the course of the evening. Executive Director John Sparks took everyone on a quick trip through Partnership Health Center's history and emphasized the impact we have had on our community through the years. Clinic Director Amanda Stone shared why she is so passionate about the work she does, and the people we serve. The keynote for our event was Dr. Richard Carvajal, president of VSU. He expressed the hope and opportunities in his life through his journey with homelessness and cancer. The inspiration of his message resonated throughout the room. Gala Chair Jessica Ganas peppered the night with details about the silent auction, explanations of the informational items on the tables, directions for the buffet and more. She and Fundraising Chair Donna Nolan were the driving force behind this event, and they did a wonderful job. Board Chair Jeanine Boddie-LaVan rounded out the evening sharing the many ways people can partner with PHC in our service to this community. *Special thanks to:  Jessica Ganas, Donna Nolan, PHC Fundraising Committee, Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, VSU, VSU Events & Catering Staff, Richard Brito Jazz Trio, Matthew Zagorski, photographer, Table Sponsors, Silent Auction donors* - ![DSCF2643-2](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2643-2.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2643-2.jpg) Jessica Ganas instructs guests on how to navigate the buffets. - ![DSCF2288](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2288.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2288.jpg) Donna Nolan and guests visit by the silent auction tables. - ![DSCF2264](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2264.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2264.jpg) Executive Director John Sparks, board member Barry Broom, Director of Operations Pablo Campa - ![DSCF2091](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2091.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2091.jpg) Director of Dental Services Sheila Bruhl bids on a silent auction item - ![DSCF2332](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2332.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2332.jpg) Guests mingling by the silent auction tables. - ![DSCF2391](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2391.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2391.jpg) Richard Brito Jazz Trio - ![DSCF2952](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF2952.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF2952.jpg) Clinic Director Amanda Stone - ![DSCF3393](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF3393.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF3393.jpg) Board member Terri Ball and husband Johnny Ball. - ![DSCF3406](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DSCF3406.jpg?width=6240&height=4160&name=DSCF3406.jpg) Board members and staff at the end of the evening. (l-r) John Sparks, William Whitesell, Joyce Evans, Terri Ball, Leah McMillan, Donna Nolan, Dr. Laura Guadiana Sanchez, Jeanine Boddie-LaVan, Gloria Hicks, Amanda Stone, Britt Eben, Barry Broome   ## Clinton's Story Videographer: Bradley Knisley ## John Sparks to Retire ![John Sparks (1) (1)](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/John%20Sparks%20(1)%20(1).jpg?width=375&height=300&name=John%20Sparks%20(1)%20(1).jpg) After 25 years of dedicated service, John Sparks, Executive Director of Partnership Health Center, will retire in July 2025. John’s leadership has been pivotal to our success and his impact on our community has been immense. We deeply appreciate his years of hard work and commitment. Over the next few months, we will work closely with John to ensure a smooth transition. We are committed to maintaining the high standards he has set and will keep you informed about the process. Please join us in celebrating John’s remarkable career and wishing him a happy and fulfilling retirement.   ## Coming Soon! ![PHC Direct photo](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PHC%20Direct%20photo.png?width=1075&height=438&name=PHC%20Direct%20photo.png) **We are launching a new program!** PHC Direct is a Direct Primary Care program designed for employers to offer as an affordable alternative to health insurance. Click [here](https://phcvaldosta.org/phc-direct) for more information. ## Celebrating! ![Celebrations](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Celebrations.png?width=624&height=258&name=Celebrations.png)   [![Picture of Britt Eben](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BrittEben.jpg?width=80&name=BrittEben.jpg)](https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/author/britt-eben) [Britt Eben](https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/author/britt-eben) Britt Eben is the Director of Development at Partnership Health Center ## What are your thoughts? [![Partnership Health Center](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PHC-Logo-NEW-web.gif?width=1000&height=533&name=PHC-Logo-NEW-web.gif "Partnership Health Center")](https://www.phcvaldosta.org/) - [About Us](https://phcvaldosta.org/about-us) - [Services](https://phcvaldosta.org/services) - [For Patients](https://phcvaldosta.org/patient-info) - [Our Team](https://phcvaldosta.org/our-team) - [Contact Us](https://phcvaldosta.org/contact-us) - [Donate Now](https://phcvaldosta.org/donate) Generous grants provided by [![SGMC-Health-Logo\_CMYK\_PNG](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/SGMC-Health-Logo_CMYK_PNG.png?width=280&name=SGMC-Health-Logo_CMYK_PNG.png)](https://www.sgmc.org/)[![GVWU RGB Logo](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GVWU%20RGB%20Logo.png?width=280&name=GVWU%20RGB%20Logo.png)](https://unitedwayvaldosta.org/)[![georgia charitable care network logo](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/teaserbox_888500895.png?width=280&name=teaserbox_888500895.png)](http://charitablecarenetwork.org/) ![GA Bapt](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GA%20Bapt.png?width=280&name=GA%20Bapt.png) ![Direct Relief 2](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Direct%20Relief%202.png?width=280&name=Direct%20Relief%202.png) ![Americares2](https://phcvaldosta.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Americares2.png?width=280&name=Americares2.png) ©2022 Partnership Health Center, Inc. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Britt Eben", "url" : "https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/author/britt-eben" }, "dateModified" : "2024-09-24T15:26:27.204Z", "datePublished" : "2024-09-24T15:26:27.000Z", "headline" : "September 2024", "image" : [ "https://phcvaldosta.org/hubfs/Carvajal%2c%20main%20photo%20website.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/september2024", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://phcvaldosta.org/hubfs/PHC-Logo-NEW-web.gif" }, "name" : "Partnership Health Center" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Photo above: Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Carvajal, President of VSU, shares his inspiring life story with the guests at the PHC 2024 Gala, Igniting Hope. 2024 Gala Success! We spent the evening of Sept. 17 igniting hope in Lowndes County! The music of the Richard Brito Jazz Trio filled the air amid the buzz of conversation. Community members mingled over cocktails, while perusing beautifully laid out silent auction offerings. Following the delicious meal, attendees were moved to laughter and tears by the messages of hope shared over the course of the evening. Executive Director John Sparks took everyone on a quick trip through Partnership Health Center's history and emphasized the impact we have had on our community through the years. Clinic Director Amanda Stone shared why she is so passionate about the work she does, and the people we serve. The keynote for our event was Dr. Richard Carvajal, president of VSU. He expressed the hope and opportunities in his life through his journey with homelessness and cancer. The inspiration of his message resonated throughout the room. Gala Chair Jessica Ganas peppered the night with details about the silent auction, explanations of the informational items on the tables, directions for the buffet and more. She and Fundraising Chair Donna Nolan were the driving force behind this event, and they did a wonderful job. Board Chair Jeanine Boddie-LaVan rounded out the evening sharing the many ways people can partner with PHC in our service to this community. Special thanks to: Jessica Ganas, Donna Nolan, PHC Fundraising Committee, Dr. Richard A. Carvajal, VSU, VSU Events & Catering Staff, Richard Brito Jazz Trio, Matthew Zagorski, photographer, Table Sponsors, Silent Auction donors Jessica Ganas instructs guests on how to navigate the buffets. Donna Nolan and guests visit by the silent auction tables. Executive Director John Sparks, board member Barry Broom, Director of Operations Pablo Campa Director of Dental Services Sheila Bruhl bids on a silent auction item Guests mingling by the silent auction tables. Richard Brito Jazz Trio Clinic Director Amanda Stone Board member Terri Ball and husband Johnny Ball. Board members and staff at the end of the evening. (l-r) John Sparks, William Whitesell, Joyce Evans, Terri Ball, Leah McMillan, Donna Nolan, Dr. Laura Guadiana Sanchez, Jeanine Boddie-LaVan, Gloria Hicks, Amanda Stone, Britt Eben, Barry Broome Clinton's Story Videographer: Bradley Knisley John Sparks to Retire After 25 years of dedicated service, John Sparks, Executive Director of Partnership Health Center, will retire in July 2025. John’s leadership has been pivotal to our success and his impact on our community has been immense. We deeply appreciate his years of hard work and commitment. Over the next few months, we will work closely with John to ensure a smooth transition. We are committed to maintaining the high standards he has set and will keep you informed about the process. Please join us in celebrating John’s remarkable career and wishing him a happy and fulfilling retirement. Coming Soon! We are launching a new program! PHC Direct is a Direct Primary Care program designed for employers to offer as an affordable alternative to health insurance. Click here for more information. Celebrating!", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Britt Eben" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-01T12:00:00Z", "datePublished" : "2024-09-24T15:26:27Z", "description" : "Photo above: Keynote speaker Dr. Richard Carvajal, President of VSU, shares his inspiring life story with the guests at the PHC 2024 Gala, Igniting Hope.", "headline" : "September 2024", "image" : [ "https://23189422.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23189422/Carvajal%2c%20main%20photo%20website.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://phcvaldosta.org/phccommunitynews/september2024", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "" } } ```