Columbia Hospital

Jean Wicken

In Jean Wicken’s role as Marketing and Public Relations Director at Columbia Hospital, she has the good fortune of working with both the employees of the hospital and community organizations focusing on important healthcare needs in Palm Beach County.

Each year the hospital is involved in supporting a variety of charitable organizations through event sponsorships, health fairs, and educational lectures. However, one of the most popular fundraising opportunities to raise funds on a regular basis are Denim Days at the hospital. For a donation of $5.00, employees are permitted to wear nice jeans to work, typically on a Friday .The employee receives a sticker to wear indicating the charity for that day. In 2007 alone Denim Days raised over $9,000 for 35 organizations in Palm Beach County.

Jean Wicken with Columbia Hospital’s therapy dog, Sofi

In addition, Jean’s organizational, marketing, public relations, and fundraising skills were put to use when she was asked to chair the 2008 Alzheimer’s Memory Walk held on March 8 in downtown West Palm Beach. It was a year of many challenges for the Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association as a new location for the walk was selected and existing committees were expanded to increase greater awareness of Alzheimer’s and the need to raise funds for research to find a cure of this disease.

Even the hospital’s therapy dog, a shitzu poodle named Sofi, volunteered serving as chair of the Best Dressed Dog contest and proving that pet therapy is often the highlight of an Alzheimer’s patient’s day.

Thanks to the generosity of the many employees at Columbia Hospital who are willing to give up their free time as well as financial support, many health care and charitable organizations in Palm Beach County receive much-needed support and care.

Bob Anis

Bob Anis, Director of Mental Health Services at Columbia Hospital, has long been an advocate for mental health and a strong voice in our community on the plight of homelessness. Mr. Anis’ leadership in Palm Beach County has led him to serve in several community service capacities. Mr. Anis is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County. As Chairman Mr. Anis promotes mental wellness, prevention of mental disorders, and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and services for children, adults, seniors and families.

Since 2004 he has been the President of the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County. The Homeless Coalition concentrates on raising community awareness about homeless issues, increasing collaboration among service providers, and obtaining resources for programs aimed at helping Palm Beach County’s homeless population to transition out of homelessness and into self-sufficiency. Additionally, Mr. Anis serves on numerous County and District Advisory Boards, providing his over 35 years of experience and expertise in mental health.

Sharon Tarlow

Columbia Hospital has been very involved in working with the School District of Palm Beach County. Specifically, business partnerships have been developed with Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and with Indian Ridge School for many years.

Sharon Tarlow, the Education Coordinator of Youth Services, oversees the hospital’s volunteer programs within the schools. Her dedication, devotion and commitment to helping the students resulted in her being awarded ‘Corporate Mentor’ for the State of Florida Department of Education. She volunteers her time and is a board member or member of many children’s organizations throughout the community. For example:

• VSA Arts of Florida / Vice Chair
• School Health Advisory Council
• Exceptional Student Education Advisory Committee
• RAMS Health Clinic at Palm Beach Lakes High
• School Advisory Council at Indian Ridge School
• Baker Act Task Force of Palm Beach County
• Palm Beach County Coalition for Children (former Vice President/Treasurer)
• Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory Council
• SEDNET Executive Committee
• Mental Health Association

Sharon coordinates managers and employees as they volunteer their time and expertise tutoring students academically, proctoring FCAT testing, and in their membership on the School Advisory Councils (SAC).

Columbia Hospital employees who volunteer at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School and/or Indian Ridge School area (l-r) Oon Soo Ung, Sharon Kelly, Isabel Finelli, Carol Jones, Lee Fucci, Donna Boyle, Jan Howlett, Sharon Tarlow, Martha Stinson, and Denise Williams-Harvey.

Indian Ridge School is the only center school serving severely emotionally and behaviorally disordered children district wide. The program is highly structured with a therapeutic component that addresses the academic, social and emotional needs of students K-12.

The hospital has won numerous ‘Gold Medal’ awards, the highest level of achievement in distinction given by the Superintendent of Schools. Columbia was also honored and recognized for outstanding business partnership endeavors with the selection and receipt of the School District ‘Wall of Fame’ award.

Having the opportunity to work with the children of Palm Beach County and helping them attain successful goals are among the many highlights of working at Columbia Hospital.