Health First Foundation Hosts Celebration of Giving Event, Highlights Brevard Community Impact
By Space Coast Daily // January 17, 2026
celebration marked record-setting fundraising year for Health First Foundation in 2025
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Health First Foundation hosted its annual Celebration of Giving at the King Center for the Performing Arts, welcoming more than 200 donors, community partners, and honored guests for an evening of gratitude, celebrating the impact of philanthropic support for Health First’s not-for-profit mission.
The celebration followed a record-setting fundraising year for the Health First Foundation in 2025, a milestone that reflects the extraordinary generosity of this community.
Health First President and CEO Terry Forde shared how philanthropic support and partnerships have helped meet urgent community needs, expand access to care, and plan for the future.
The event honored the generous estate commitment from Madeline Childs, providing funds to expand inpatient hospice care for our community, and recognized Good Samaritan Society members who have given $1,000 or more in the past year.
Philanthropist John Roach was recognized for his continuous support over the last 43 years.
Chris Kern, Vice President, Philanthropy, shared, “John is the epitome of a Good Samaritan – someone who has stepped forward time and again to help others; not out of obligation, but because he believes deeply in caring for this community.”
Guests also received an update on donor-supported improvements to Health First’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at Holmes Regional Medical Center and Viera Hospital, where fundraising efforts for specialized beds have received strong community support.
These enhancements are helping create a more supportive, healing environment for the hospital’s smallest and most vulnerable patients, with continued momentum toward fully funding the project.
“Philanthropy allows us to look beyond today and prepare for what our growing community will need tomorrow,” said Mike Seeley, President of the Health First Foundation, reinforcing the role donors play in turning compassion into action.
Through charitable giving and community partnerships, the Health First Foundation supports programs, services, and initiatives that improve the health and wellness of the communities Health First serves, today and for generations to come.
To learn more about the Health First Foundation and how to support its mission, visit hf.org/give.
