Friends and Supporters of Legacy, I am honored to step into the role of interim CEO during this critical time for Legacy Community Health. Having served as Legacy’s Chief Operating Officer since 2023 - and with more than 20 years of experience in health care operations, including 10 years in public health - I am deeply committed to the mission of organizations like ours that serve as lifelines for those in need. My connection to Legacy’s work is personal. When I emigrated from Germany to the United States in 2004, I spent my first year without health insurance. That experience taught me the challenges many face in accessing quality health care. It inspires me every day to help break down those barriers so no one in our community is left without care.
Legacy has shown incredible resilience, even in difficult times. In 2024 we faced two major storms—the derecho in May and Hurricane Beryl in July. These events demanded creativity and teamwork to reopen clinics quickly and safely. Thanks to our incredible staff, we provided much-needed care to the community. I am so proud of this team and will do all I can to support them moving forward.
I want to assure you that Legacy is prepared for a smooth leadership transition. When my predecessor stepped down in November 2024, I created a 120-day plan focused on stability and collaboration. This plan allows us to continue providing the high-quality services our patients rely on. At the beginning of the second quarter of 2025, Legacy’s operating board will decide whether to begin the search for a new CEO or extend my tenure as interim CEO. Either decision will ensure we maintain steady leadership and growth.
Legacy has achieved remarkable progress over the past five years. Our team has grown from 1,100 to 1,800 employees, and the number of people we serve has increased from 190,000 to over 310,000 annually. This growth reflects the trust of our patients, donors, and staff. As we move forward, I will focus on maintaining this positive momentum while ensuring financial stability and thoughtful expansion.
We are not slowing down, but we are being strategic. Growth and hiring will continue, but we are committed to smart investments that support long-term success. Our greatest asset is our people, and we will prioritize leadership development, strengthen our culture, and improve processes. These efforts will make us even better at serving our patients and communities.
To our donors and supporters, thank you. Your generosity fuels programs like Little Readers, School-Based Health Care, Women’s Health, and HIV Services. I want to reassure you that this leadership change will not disrupt these programs or the events you hold dear. We remain committed to being careful stewards of your contributions, ensuring stability and impact.
Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to the great work we will accomplish together.
Sincerely,
Robert Palussek/Legacy Interim CEO
Share Your Blessings
Incredible generosity at Jim Sikorski’s 27th annual Share Your Blessings event resulted in a recordbreaking $170,000 raised!
All proceeds will benefit Legacy’s HIV/AIDS services & programs and Women’s Health Services, creating a lasting impact on our community. We deeply appreciate Jim’s unwavering support over the years.
Chree Boydstun, Ed Finger, Timmy Martinez, and Jim Sikorski
legacy.community/giving Legacy
HOLIDAY
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What an unforgettable evening! The 2024 Holiday SCHMOOZE was a dazzling success, filled with festive joy and raising an astounding $125,000 for The Jackson Hicks Endowed Fund for the Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of HIV/AIDS at Legacy. On December 12, Richard Holt’s beautiful home was aglow with holiday magic, gathering friends and supporters to celebrate the season and Legacy’s mission to drive healthy change in our communities. We extend our deepest gratitude to Richard, top sponsor Quest Diagnostics, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this magical night possible!
View more photos of the memorable evening at legacy.community/schmooze24.
Dr. Van Morris and Patrick Curphey, JD Adamson and Tony Gibson
Ryan Martin, Chree Boydstun, and Robert Palussek
Gerry Heard and Tylor Hearn
Jim Hazen, Sharon Land, George Hawkins, and Larry Horton Eric Van Haselen and Steve Pate
Tony Bravo and Richard Werner
Cyndy Garza Roberts and Linda Cantu
Richard Holt, Kathryn and Jeff Smith
Anthony Diaz, Kim Burnett, and Kristine Sanks
Daniel Irion, Chree Boydstun, and Kirk Kveton
Shannon Hall and Deb Rockman
Legacy Toy Drive
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Legacy’s 2024 pediatric toy drive! Your generosity enabled us to distribute nearly 3,000 toys to our pediatric patients during their December well-child visits. Your donations brought smiles, joy, and magic to
Bingo and Bad Sweaters
November 17, 2024
The Ballroom at Tanglewood
Bingo: where the numbers are made up, and the sweaters are hilariously ugly! Thanks to support from the The Ballroom at Tanglewood and our bingo players, we raised $8,000 for Legacy’s Pediatric Toy Drive. The night featured fun, raffle prizes, and hilarious sweaters, fostering new friendships and celebrating the joy of giving back.
Clara Rodriguez and Jennifer Rodriguez
Cyndy Garza Roberts, Renita Cooksey, Linda Cantu, and Timmy Martinez
Kaleb and Madison Sanders
National Hispanic Professional Organization
Four Seasons Club
Toys dropped off at Legacy Northline
Mayolo Gonzalez
Jani Lopez
Executive and Professional Association of Houston (EPAH)
Golf Classic. We had 50 teams and raised over $404,000 for Legacy’s School-Based Health Care program. We are grateful for our presenting sponsors Equitable and Hawkins Laakso Wealth Management. Thank you to all who attended this fantastic event!
Chairperson Chris Laakso
Hani Barazi, Kirti and Joe Cesaratto, Steve Crawford, Greg Harper, Eric Howard, Sharon Land, Jani Lopez, Jason Ludlam, and Alvin Wright
Jason Ludlum and Kennedy Hardy
Kris and Sadie Westboork, Jeff Wirth, and Chris Laakso
Sharon Land, Kathy Kuo, Helen Cho, and Emily Robinson
Frank Billingsley, KPRC-2’s Lauren Kelly, Sarah Ogle, and Stephanie Ramirez
Nick Riali, Pete and Marta Serna, and Jesse Serna
Eric Howard and Dr. Matt Higgs
Raynetta Davis, Amanda Thomas, Lawrence Eves, Kim Burnett, Kristine and Jasper Sanks, Emilio Gonzalez, and Anthony Diaz
Alan Cooke, Reggie Barclay, Jason Monroe, and Steve Crawford with Chree Boydstun
Your Legacy, Our Mission: Building Healthier Futures PLANNED GIVING
As we step into 2025, Legacy Community Health is expanding our footprint to bring affordable, high-quality care to even more communities across the Texas Gulf Coast. This year, we’re completing construction on the 40,000 square-foot Pasadena Southmore clinic, breaking ground on a new facility in Acres Homes, and launching a capital campaign for a new clinic in Beaumont. These new locations will be lifelines for those with limited access to care, fulfilling Legacy’s commitment to health care for all.
We’re also proud to continue our partnership with FreeWill, a free estate planning resource designed to help you protect your loved ones, outline essential health care decisions, and leave a legacy that reflects your values.
Legacy in the Community
We are thrilled to announce that Josh Davis, Vice President of Development for Legacy Community Health’s East Region, has been named Beaumont’s “Best Volunteer of 2024” by the Beaumont Enterprise!
Josh, a proud West Brook and Lamar graduate, has dedicated his life to serving the Beaumont community. His journey began at the age of 12 with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, an experience that ignited his passion for volunteering and saved his life. At 20, he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Early involvement led to life-saving treatment, profoundly shaping his career and commitment to health care.
In his role at Legacy Community Health, Josh balances his professional responsibilities with
By creating a plan today, you can help secure the future for both your family and the communities we serve. Start your estate plan for free at legacy.community/freewill. Together, we can build a healthier future for generations to come.
Using our partner, FreeWill, you can answer these questions and create your plan for the future today. Scan the QR code below or visit freewill.com/legacy.
The city of Houston marked world AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, with a proclamation recognizing Legacy, Allies in Hope, the Houston Health Department, and The Normal Anomaly Initiative for their work supporting, treating, and educating people affected by HIV.
Houston reports one of the highest rates of HIV and AIDS in the United States. We remember those who have gone before as Legacy’s 40+ year fight to end the epidemic continues.
extensive volunteer work. He is actively involved with the Junior League of Beaumont, the Young Professionals Organization, the American Cancer Society, Beaumont ISD committees, the ExxonMobil Community Advisory Panel, the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Pug Hearts Dog Rescue, and the Beaumont Children’s Museum.
Josh shares his dedication to community service with his husband, Thomas. Together, they participate in numerous civic activities, emphasizing the importance of giving back. Josh’s work at Legacy Community Health focuses on connecting the community to health care, promoting literacy, and ensuring access to services for all.
Join us in celebrating Josh and his incredible contributions to our community!
Amber Davis and Robert Palussek
Miguel Jacquez and Mr. AmistadesHTX 2025 Juan Pablo
