St. Luke's Friends of Nursing program raised more than $262,000 at their annual luncheon and fashion show fundraising event to support educational and research opportunities for nursing programs. Pictured are co-chairs Denise Monteleone and Dr. Veronica Selinko-Curran. Photo/Diocese of Texas

[Diocese of Texas] St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital‘s Friends of Nursing netted more than $262,000 at their annual luncheon and fashion show Thursday, March 8. Guests at the event were treated to the latest fashions, courtesy of Tootsies and designer Lyn Devon.

St. Luke’s Hospital, the founding institution of St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System, is located in Houston.

The fundraising event supports education and research opportunities – including the St. Luke’s Nursing Fellowship Program, which provides $30,000 fellowships to employees so they can further their nursing careers. The fellowship provides tuition and books while also subsidizing salary and benefits so recipients can work part time while continuing their education. Since the program’s inception, 136 employees have been awarded fellowships.

“This program gives St. Luke’s employees the opportunity to pursue a nursing degree or further their professional education by obtaining a higher degree,” said co-chair Denise Monteleone.

Supporters at the event heard from a fellowship recipient along with St. Luke’s vice president and chief nursing officer, Karen K. Myers, MSN, RN, NEA-BC.

“While it’s rewarding to provide this unique educational opportunity to our employees, it’s also gratifying to witness them, in turn, provide such compassionate care to our patients,” Myers said.

Selinko-Curran reminded supporters that nurses are on the front line when it comes to treating patients.

“What better way to serve our community than to address the escalating national and regional nursing shortage,” said co-chair Dr. Veronica Selinko-Curran.

Friends of Nursing was established in 1989 as a philanthropic volunteer organization dedicated to supporting nursing.