Texas Clinic Honors Wound Care Hero at Fundraising Gala

A wound care specialist in Fredericksburg, Texas is getting recognized for going the extra mile to help neighbors who can't afford medical treatment.

Whitney Brown-Tompkins will receive the 2026 Good Samaritan of the Year Award at the Good Samaritan Center's annual spring fundraising dinner on May 5. The honor celebrates her dedication to providing expert wound care services to low-income, uninsured workers in the community.

"Whitney goes out of her way to make top-level wound care services available for our patients, the uninsured, low-income workers of our community," said John Willome, the center's executive director. Her entire staff makes patients feel welcome and cared for during every visit.

The fundraising dinner runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church and includes a multi-course meal with complimentary wine and beer. Tickets cost $125 per person, with $65 being tax-deductible, and tables for eight are available for $1,200.

Willome encourages people to buy tickets early since the event has sold out for several years running. The deadline to purchase is April 20.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of this fundraiser extends far beyond one evening. Thanks to underwriters Estela Avery, Cindy and Bruce Busby, Create Healthy, and Joseph Financial Partners, every ticket dollar goes directly to patient care instead of event costs.

"It's almost impossible to express our gratitude and appreciation for their generous partnership," Willome said. Their support means more families can access medical, dental, and mental health services they desperately need.

The Good Samaritan Center serves as a faith-based charitable clinic for families without health insurance. Services include medical and dental care, mental health support, prescription medication assistance, diabetes management training, and wellness education.

"We are our community's answer to loving our neighbors who struggle to afford primary medical and dental care," Willome explained. The center keeps employees healthy, out of the hospital, at work, and able to care for their families.

Business sponsorships are still available through April 24, starting at $250 and going up to $1,300 for table packages. Sponsors receive recognition in the dinner program, the summer newsletter that reaches 2,800 people, and on the center's website and social media.

One person's commitment to compassionate care is inspiring an entire community to support their most vulnerable neighbors.