Bob and Debbie Wacker
Debbie Wacker and her late husband, Bob, have each held a special connection with French Hospital and a deep understanding of the need to support their nonprofit community hospital.
As a grateful former patient, Bob’s positive experience inspired him to become the Co-Chair of the Foundation’s Beyond Health Campaign in an effort to ensure that patients have access to advanced care. Debbie is one of French Hospital’s longest-serving volunteers, devoting more than 30 years to assisting hospital patients, staff, and visitors. She also currently serves as the President of the French Hospital Volunteer Guild and as a French Hospital Foundation Board member. Together, Bob and Debbie’s dedication to health care and their experiences with the hospital led them to make significant philanthropic gifts to the Beyond Health campaign.
Just before Bob’s passing, the Wackers decided to make yet another contribution to French Hospital. Recognizing the important role of advanced technology in the hospital’s ability to care for patients, they established the Bob and Debbie Wacker Technology and Innovation Fund. The new fund was highlighted at the Celebration of Caring event, with memorial gifts in Bob’s honor raising over $135,000. The French Hospital Foundation was honored to recognize Bob and Debbie’s many outstanding contributions to the well-being of the San Luis Obispo community by naming the Wackers the 2024 recipients of the Louis Tedone, MD, Humanitarian Award. Sadly, Bob passed away two weeks before receiving the award at the Foundation’s Celebration of Caring in February 2024.
Thanks to the support of the Wackers and ongoing contributions from donors, French Hospital will continually invest in cutting-edge technology, equipment, and innovative practices.
The Foundation remains forever grateful to Bob Wacker for his vision and support of our community, and to Debbie for her continued volunteerism and leadership.
“I recognize that it’s a gift and a privilege— not a duty—to have been put in a position where we can make a positive impact on people who need help. The list is endless and so are the opportunities. I appreciate the gift of being able to help.”
–Bob Wacker
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