Inspirational Donor S.M. "Buddy" Patton Leaves Legacy of Giving
Since 2002, Mission Healthcare Foundation has been using (and celebrating!) the tag line, "Inspire. Nurture. Lead." Your philanthropic gifts support our efforts to touch lives, inspire generosity, nurture those in need, and provide leadership to keep Mission Hospitals strong for generations to come.
The recent passing of S.M. "Buddy" Patton offers an opportunity to reflect on the embodiment of someone who did all three-inspired, nurtured and led. Buddy Patton and his wife, current Trustee Marilyn Patton, have long been some of the most generous and loyal donors St. Joseph's and Mission Hospitals have ever had. Buddy was instrumental in bringing in his family's automobile dealership, Harry's on the Hill, as the presenting sponsor of the Chakales Golf Tournament in 1999. The Tournament started in 1990 and was named in honor and memory of John Chakales, who died after a long bout with cancer. After Buddy lost his battle with cancer, it seemed fitting to rename the tournament the Chakales Patton Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of two of Asheville's true gentlemen, John Chakales and Buddy Patton.
The Patton family has not only helped a number of major projects at both hospitals over the years; they have also made a difference throughout the community. Buddy saved the former Biltmore Industries from obscurity in the early 1990s, remodeling it into the present Grovewood Galleries, where many very talented local artisans are able to display and sell their creations. Grovewood Gallery hosted their annual charity auction this year in memory of Buddy, and a portion of the proceeds were donated to the Cancer Program at Mission.
In addition to being a great friend to Mission, Buddy was a loyal donor to the United Way and a supporter of his temple, Beth Ha Tephila.
Buddy's daughter Patricia once said that he not only believed in the power of giving; he also instilled it in those around him. "The one thing he taught us was you always give back," she said. "He told us that we were very, very lucky, and we live in a wonderful community, and we have to share what we have with people who might not be so lucky."
Together, the Pattons have shown us what it means to truly have a philanthropic spirit. Today, let us all honor Buddy's memory by sharing in his generous spirit of giving and by thanking Marilyn and family for a legacy that continues.
-Originally published in Mission Healthcare Foundation's newsletter, Inspiration, in Spring/Summer 2007.
