ARTICLE
Lakeland Regional Health held its Philanthropist and Advocate of the Year celebration on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The organization honored Bill and Kathy Pou as the Philanthropists of the Year and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd as the Advocate of the Year. The event took place at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland. “We are so pleased to honor Bill and Kathy Pou and Sheriff Grady Judd in this way. Their unwavering advocacy and generosity allow us to deliver the best care to the patients and families we serve,” said Danielle Drummond, MS, FACHE, Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO. “We are truly privileged to be surrounded by such an incredible community that supports the work we do each and every day.” Originally from Plant City and married for 43 years, Bill and Kathy Pou are active members of the Lakeland community, calling it home for over 20 years. Bill has worked for 42 years in various aspects of the family’s business, the W.S. Badcock Corporation, and has been integral in advancing its success. After 117 years as a family business, the family sold it in 2021, and Bill retired as Chairman of the Board. Bill has given his time to various community organizations and joined the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation in 2005, serving as President in 2014 to 2015. Bill currently serves on the governance board at Lakeland Regional Health. Kathy has given her time as a Trustee of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, the Mission Advancement Council for the Southeastern Guide Dogs and the Dean’s Club Level of giving to the Walker College of Business at ASU, and Therapy Dog International with her dog Maggie. Maggie is a therapy dog who visits patients and staff at LRH. Since 1972, Grady Judd has been a long-standing member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, working his way up to Sheriff in 2004. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Sheriff Judd was inducted into the Polk County School Board Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award from Polk State College. Sheriff Judd has also received awards such as the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award and the Church Women United Human Rights Award. In addition, he has served as President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America, a national organization. The theme of the evening was “Sounds of Broadway” and featured entertainment by Tony Award-nominated Ari Groover performing pieces from Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and various artists and instrumentals from the national tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. “This event is a special time where the community comes together to recognize those who dedicate their lives to serve and support the mission of the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation,” said Timothy Boynton, Senior Vice President of Development, Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer. “We thank each person involved in making this night incredible.”
Lakeland Regional Health held its Philanthropist and Advocate of the Year celebration on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The organization honored Bill and Kathy Pou as the Philanthropists of the Year and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd as the Advocate of the Year. The event took place at the Polk Theatre in Lakeland.
“We are so pleased to honor Bill and Kathy Pou and Sheriff Grady Judd in this way. Their unwavering advocacy and generosity allow us to deliver the best care to the patients and families we serve,” said Danielle Drummond, MS, FACHE, Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO. “We are truly privileged to be surrounded by such an incredible community that supports the work we do each and every day.”
Originally from Plant City and married for 43 years, Bill and Kathy Pou are active members of the Lakeland community, calling it home for over 20 years. Bill has worked for 42 years in various aspects of the family’s business, the W.S. Badcock Corporation, and has been integral in advancing its success. After 117 years as a family business, the family sold it in 2021, and Bill retired as Chairman of the Board. Bill has given his time to various community organizations and joined the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation in 2005, serving as President in 2014 to 2015. Bill currently serves on the governance board at Lakeland Regional Health. Kathy has given her time as a Trustee of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, the Mission Advancement Council for the Southeastern Guide Dogs and the Dean’s Club Level of giving to the Walker College of Business at ASU, and Therapy Dog International with her dog Maggie. Maggie is a therapy dog who visits patients and staff at LRH.
Since 1972, Grady Judd has been a long-standing member of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, working his way up to Sheriff in 2004. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Sheriff Judd was inducted into the Polk County School Board Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award from Polk State College. Sheriff Judd has also received awards such as the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award and the Church Women United Human Rights Award. In addition, he has served as President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America, a national organization.
The theme of the evening was “Sounds of Broadway” and featured entertainment by Tony Award-nominated Ari Groover performing pieces from Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and various artists and instrumentals from the national tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
“This event is a special time where the community comes together to recognize those who dedicate their lives to serve and support the mission of the Lakeland Regional Health Foundation,” said Timothy Boynton, Senior Vice President of Development, Chief Public Relations and Communications Officer. “We thank each person involved in making this night incredible.”