12 VITALITY Winter 2024 For Craig and Lisa Lehman, of Bolivar, giving back to their community is a lifelong pursuit that started by following the example set by their parents. “Craig’s parents are very active in their church, and my parents were active in the community and especially the hospital,” Lisa says. “They were involved in school, and my dad was in Rotary. Philanthropy has always been a big thing, even in college. We were active in philanthropy organizations there too. It seems like the natural thing to do.” Passing on a passion for service The family’s roots run deep at CMH. Lisa’s dad, Wayne Wilson, was a charter member of the Citizens Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors from 1978 to 2017. Her mother, Rowena Wilson, was a charter member of the CMH Auxiliary. They were both actively involved with the opening of the hospital. “My dad really believed that Bolivar needed a hospital,” Lisa says. “Not just Bolivar, but all the counties north of us and east and west. He was on the hospital board until his death and just loved everything about it. He was so proud of everything.” Lisa recalls how much time her dad invested in the board, especially during the early years. “I remember they were shopping Philanthr A LIFELONG PURSUIT for hospital beds,” Lisa says. “As a kid, I’m thinking, just buy beds, for crying out loud. I’m tired of hearing about them. Now, looking back, it’s pretty unique that they had that much hands-on involvement.” Lisa also recalls her mom’s service through the CMH Auxiliary. “For the grand opening, the Auxiliary women were taking their own irons and ironing curtains and bedsheets to help get the hospital up and going,” Lisa says. “That is one of my fondest memories.” The Auxiliary members then decided to start raising money for the hospital. They started a “potpourri” fundraiser that was the precursor to today’s annual Auxiliary Bake Sale. “They made snacks, candy and crafts to sell because there wasn’t a gift shop at that time,” Lisa says. Rowena was the chairperson for the potpourri sales, and Lisa is an active Auxiliary member who now serves as the chairperson for the Bake Sale. Lisa has donated 1,025 volunteer hours and counting. While the CMH Auxiliary began with women only, men are now among the 310 current volunteers. Why give to CMH? “When you give to the hospital, it reaches so many people,” Lisa Lisa and Craig Lehman, of Bolivar, are dedicated to supporting CMH.
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