Employee Volunteers
Rice Medical Center Employee Volunteers for Hospital Improvement
Our Story
The Rice Medical Center Employee Volunteers (originally the Rice District Community Hospital Employee Trust Fund) began in 1993, when a dedicated employee encouraged coworkers to contribute $5 per paycheck to help update hospital equipment and furnishings.
The first fundraiser — a bake sale — raised enough to renovate the hospital nursery. From there, the group’s fundraising spirit grew, leading to ongoing projects and the creation of two annual traditions: the Brown Bag Hamburger Lunch and the Harvest Ball.
In 1999, the group officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and adopted its current name to reflect its true purpose — improving the hospital for patients, staff, and the community.
Major Fundraisers
Harvest Ball
Started in 1996, the Annual Harvest Ball has become our largest fundraiser, featuring a social hour, steak dinner, honoree recognition, live and silent auctions, dancing, and community sponsorships. The event continues to grow each year, celebrating local generosity and support.
Harvest Ball Honorees:
- 2025 – Courage for a Cure Foundation
- 2024 – Dorothy Hyek
- 2023 – The Late Lynn Rucka
- 2022 – The Late Lonnie Sommerlatte
- 2021 – The Late Steve Balas
- 2020 – RMCEV Education Building
- 2019 – The Lorease and Ed Priesmeyer Foundation
- 2018 – Charles and Mickey Glueck
- 2017 – Dan and Maryan Gertson
- 2016 – Fight Against Heart Disease
- 2015 – Dr. Raymond Russell Thomas, Jr.
- 2014 – Fight Against Breast Cancer
- 2013 – The Late Joe Lee Perez
- 2012 – Becky Anderson
- 2011 – Local Fire and Police Departments (9/11)
- 2010 – Joe Mike Spanihel
- 2009 – Dr. Ronald Mahoney
- 2008 – Elfe Thomas
- 2007 – Helen Farris
- 2006 – Joe Lee McCreary
- 2005 – The Late L.J. “Sonny” and Charlyne Spanihel
- 2004 – Robby Cook
- 2003 – Fred Frnka
- 2002 – Barbara Pidgeon
- 2001 – Mike V. Duarte
- 2000 – Steve Balas
- 1999 – William Harrison, Sr.
- 1998 – The Late David and Eula Winterman
- 1997 – Dr. Raymond Russell Thomas, Sr.
- 1996 – No Honoree
Brown Bag Hamburger Lunch
The Brown Bag Hamburger Lunch Fundraiser raises money for scholarships awarded annually to local high school seniors pursuing medical careers.
Total scholarships awarded to date: $84,000
Our Mission
We are dedicated to improving anything that enhances the quality of patient care or makes Rice Medical Center a better place to work. Over the years, we’ve supported numerous projects and equipment upgrades, including:
- Hospital lobby and conference room renovations
- Birthing room furnishings and nursery updates
- Hospital signage
- OR & ER stretchers
- Nurses’ telemetry system
- Wheelchairs and patient room furniture
- Dining room furniture and outdoor patio area
- 3D mammography unit and digital imaging upgrades
- Whiteboards and TVs for patient rooms
- East Bernard Clinic lobby and furniture
- Contributions to the RMC Health, Wellness & Education Building — over $400,000 raised toward construction beginning in 2026
Giving Tree of Life
The Giving Tree of Life allows individuals and businesses to honor or memorialize loved ones while supporting hospital renovation and equipment projects.
Donation Levels:
- Leaf: $225
- Small Stone: $500
- Medium Stone: $1,000
- Large Stone: $2,000
For more information or to purchase a memorial, please contact:
Shelley Thompson – (979) 232-7027
Harvest Ball Memories
