Everett and Ruth Boon: Everett and Ruth of Napa joined Circle of Friends because of their loyalty to the hospital: "I was born and raised here in Napa," says Ruth (whose maiden name was Gardner). "My husband and I have been patients at the Queen, my father had open-heart surgery there, my mother and my sister were taken care of there, and right now, my niece is there. They do a wonderful job, and I'm glad we can help." Adds Everett: "The hospital means a lot to us. It takes care of the people - and by helping to support it, we're making sure that if we need it, it will be there."

Kent Fry: "I wanted to get more involved in local activities, and the hospital is my number-one choice," he says. "I also like the idea of helping the public get a better understanding of what it takes to keep a hospital going and why community support is so important." Kent is also a new member of the Circle of Friends.

Iva and Vaclav Mostecky: "Technology is very important," Val says. "We felt that Queen of the Valley is the center for this area and should be top-notch." Iva adds: "I like that we could give something where we live, that I can almost touch it. Not that I have any proprietary feeling, but it's good to know that it's right here and that this equipment will help doctors to do better diagnosis and treatment. It's something everyone here can benefit from." The Mostecky's gift helped fund the purchase of state-of-the-art peripheral vascular equipment for the hospital.

Community Projects, Inc, - Mary Crisman, President: "Community Projects and the hospital go back a long way," noting that for many years the group was Queen of the Valley's volunteer arm. "Many of our members still volunteer at the hospital, too, and we have funded many, many things at the Queen over the years." She adds: "The Queen is one of the things we like to be able to support. The hospital is important to many people in the community, and we like the equipment to be tops."

Jean McGreane: Jean sent a gift as a way of thanking the Queen for how well her late husband, Tom, was treated. "He received excellent care, in the ICU, the step-down unit, 2 North, and acute rehab. The doctors and nurses were dedicated and compassionate. The spiritual care we received was also very important to both of us. We wanted to show our appreciation and help Queen of the Valley continue to provide outstanding care."

Ralph Zakrajsek: "When I was a patient there, the doctors were so thorough and there was so much personal attention. They did an excellent job." Naming the Foundation as his charitable remainder trust's main beneficiary was Ralph's way of saying "Thank you" for the care he received and making sure the hospital will be there for others in the future.