Our Illuminate Gala will shine a light on the power of philanthropy

The Skip Cline Society is a dynamic group of local professionals who share a common interest in advancing pediatric health care. Members provide an active voice and energetic support for the not-for-profit hospitals of Morton Plant Mease and the current health-related issues affecting our pediatric community. Organized by friends of Harry Sykes “Skip” Cline Jr., 18 years after his untimely death, these emerging leaders are investing in the future of the hospitals of Morton Plant Mease with fellow philanthropically inclined leaders.

To them, Skip embodied the ideals of a young leader – charisma, enthusiasm and energy. He was raised in the shadows of Morton Plant Hospital, in a family long devoted to charitable ideals, contributing time, treasure and talent to our community and hospital. The founding members of Skip Cline Society recognized a desire among younger adults in the community to become better, more involved with their hospitals. They concluded that by naming the Society after Skip, the group could build on his family’s tradition of community involvement and philanthropy. Skip’s grandfather, J. Tweed McMullen, was the hospital’s legal counsel for more than 40 years and served many of the hospital’s other significant benefactors, including Donald Roebling. He and his wife, Millie, chaired the 1975 Charity Ball and have generously contributed to the hospital for decades. Skip’s parents, Harry and Janie Cline, Cornerstone of Philanthropy members, chaired the 2004 Charity Ball, which raised more than $225,000. In this tradition, the Society will provide ongoing support for the Foundation through its endeavors.

Skip Cline Society’s fund-raising focus has always been to support the hospitals’ pediatric programs and services. In fact, over the past decade, members have collectively granted the hospitals $560,000.