Debbie King, Executive Director/Vice President of the Tri-City Hospital Foundation anchors her commitment to the mission of the medical center in her roots as a longtime local resident.

I've lived in this area my entire life," she reports. This community, and what Tri-City Medical Center means to the quality of life here, are part of who I am."

Graduate of El Camino High School and Stanford University, Ms. King was market research analyst for the Union Tribune and marketing director of the North County Times before joining the Tri-City Hospital Foundation as Annual Giving Officer in 1995. Her success led to new responsibilities as Gift Planning Officer; she was appointed to her current position in October 2000.

It's a privilege to come to work, she enthuses. "Every day, I have the opportunity and the honor to do something that helps my neighbors. Plus, I get to know some wonderful people who value the importance of having outstanding healthcare close to home, right where it's needed most."

She adds: "Most people think of philanthropy as a one-way street, where giving goes from the donor to a worthy cause, but from my perspective at the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, I have been able to see that donors also enjoy all sorts of benefits. Whether it's being part of a truly excellent healthcare center, meeting other people who share their interests, or the joy of giving back, supporting the Tri-City Hospital Foundation turns out to be a gift that really gifts back."