In just seven years, Tom and Aleyce Lacy went from volunteers at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton to making history at Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). The couple recently made the largest donation in the organization’s history to the NGHS Foundation, though they asked to keep the record-breaking amount private.
The Lacys retired to Braselton in 2017 and began volunteering at NGMC Braselton in 2018 as a way to get involved in their new community. Tom serves as a golf cart shuttle driver,and Aleyce serves in the hospital’s volunteer-led gift shop – called Window Shops. Together,they have volunteered more than 1,300 hours.
“I’m often the first person people see when they get to the hospital,” Tom said. “I get so much out of our shuttle rides – whether it’s celebrating the good news they just received or sharing in their worry about an upcoming visit. Our hospital cares about people first, and we are grateful to be a part of that.”
Tom and Aleyce didn’t set out to make the largest donation in NGHS’ history when they began volunteering. The idea first came to them following a recognition event for NGHS volunteers in 2024. During the event, Chris Bray, NGHS Foundation president and chief philanthropy officer for NGHS, spoke about the impact of philanthropy on patients and families.
“We looked at each other during that luncheon and just knew,” Aleyce said. “We love the hospital so much; it’s the heart of our community. Even in our short time here, we’ve seen how much the area has grown in recent years. We are grateful to be able to give back, knowing our gift will make a difference for the hospital and community we love.”
NGMC Braselton, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, was built with the support of a fundraising campaign led by a committee of community members. The $4.8 million in donations was fundamental to the development of the hospital.
“NGHS’ mission is to improve the health of our community in all we do, and this gift is symbolic of that,” said Matt Hanley, MD, president and CEO of NGHS. “The Lacy’s financialgift is extremely generous, as is the time they volunteer, but their true gift to their community is their infectious compassion.”
To donate or learn more about the NGHS Foundation, its events and other ways to support, visit nghs.com/foundation.
“There are so many ways to be involved, and we are grateful to help people connect with NGHS in a meaningful way,” said Chris Bray. “This gift will impact people for years and generations to come.”
About NGHS Foundation
Founded in 1986, the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to health system improvements, complementary programs and partner organizations throughout the region. In an effort to further the mission of improving the health of the community in all that we do, donations to the Foundation help support innovation and enhancements at all five of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s community hospitals, as well as many health initiatives of the system. It is truly through the generosity of friends and neighbors that many critical, life-saving projects, improvements and patient care services are available today. For more information, visit nghs.com/foundation.