Teresa Wright, MD

Le Bonheur has a philanthropic tradition dating back to 1923. Le Bonheur was formed by women who began sewing clothes for the children at Leath Orphanage. As the membership of Le Bonheur Club grew, so did the group's commitment to children. The Club began to provide health care for the children living in the orphanage. The Le Bonheur Club's women were renowned for the fact that they would provide transport to medical appointments for the kids. In 1944, the Pediatric Society had an idea to create a hospital only for children. They approached Le Bonheur Club. Le Bonheur Club and the community raised $2 million for the construction of the hospital. On June 15, 1952, the hospital's doors were opened by Le Bonheur Club members. Le Bonheur Club's President released red balloons with the keys to the hospital. This was to signify a commitment to ensure no child would be left at Le Bonheur.