Hospital Is Moved by Spirit of Giving

Philanthropy, as Henry David Thoreau put it, is “almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by mankind.”

Taking a leaf from that page, the Saddleback Memorial Foundation bestowed Spirit of Philanthropy Awards on six individuals whose gifts to the foundation include money, service and skill.

William and Louise Meiklejohn of Laguna Woods were honored as Philanthropists of the Year for providing the cornerstone gift--the largest single donation in the foundation’s history--to build a 45,000-square-foot critical care pavilion at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center.

Evelyn Hamil Shopp, also of Laguna Woods, received the Community Leader of the Year award. A retired nursing administrator known as an advocate for nursing and quality health care, Shopp has been active in volunteer work at the medical center since 1980.

David Law, critical care and pulmonary specialist, was named Physician of the Year for his work with the foundation’s fund-raising groups. The former chief of staff has been with the Laguna Hills hospital since 1976.

Employee of the Year went to Patricia Karnya, chief technologist who supervises cardiology technicians. Also with the hospital since 1976, Karnya is active with the foundation’s fund-raising groups.

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To be considered for this column, please send information on the Orange County person being honored along with a photograph to Lynn O’Dell, Los Angeles Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. (714) 283-5685.