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Betty Jane France poses in front of the statue
commissioned in her honor |
DAYTONA BEACH (16 February
2006) - At a special ceremony
held Tuesday, Feb. 14, community leaders joined Halifax Medical Center (HMC)
Board members, physicians, nurses and staff in unveiling a sculpture
commissioned in honor and recognition of Betty Jane France. Members of the
France family and the racing community were among the invited guests.
HMC Foundation President Glenn Ritchey opened the ceremony by
thanking Mrs. France for her ongoing support and commitment to the hospital.
Noting she is responsible for helping raise in excess of $2 million in support
of healthcare services for children and women in our community, Richey gave many
examples of her support and influence including the fact that Speediatrics was
named one of three designated children’s charities to benefit from NASCAR Day
2005, and will be again in May 2006.
Jeff Feasel, CEO and president of Halifax Community Health System,
then outlined the many services Halifax provides to infants, children, women and
families, emphasizing the significance of community support for these services.
“Caring for the community is our mission. Everything we do, every decision we
make, and every dollar we invest is dedicated to providing the best and most
compassionate care possible.
“But we can’t do it alone. It is only through the dedication and
support of people like Mrs. France that we are able to achieve our goals. Our
community is a healthier place because of her, and for that we honor her,” said
Feasel.
Following poignant comments from Dr. Lindsey Johnson, chairman of
the Department of Pediatrics, and Nurse Manager Catherine Privett about what her
support has meant to the children and families they care for, proclamations were
presented by Volusia County Council Chairman Frank Bruno and City of Daytona
Beach Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden, officially naming Feb. 14, 2006 “Betty Jane
France Day.”
After presenting Mrs. France with 36 long-stemmed red Valentine
roses - one for each bed in Speediatrics - Halifax Board Chairman Mori Hosseini,
along with Ritchey and France, moved into the main lobby to unveil the
sculpture. Titled by the artist Paul Baliker “Safe and Secure,” the bronze
sculpture depicts two small children, sitting in the palm of a large
hand.
On Nov. 12, 2003, at the Halifax Medical Center Foundation’s
annual Humanitarian Award Dinner where Betty Jane France was honored for her
‘advocacy, commitment, support and advancement of healthcare and human services
for women, infants, children and families.’ It was announced that evening that
the Foundation would commission a bronze sculpture by Baliker to depict Mrs.
France’s care and concern for the health and well being of children. Two
castings of the sculpture were done. The other is at Betty Jane France’s home in
Daytona Beach.
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