In 1984, Dr. Frank Lloyd, President of Methodist Hospital, and Eldon Campbell, President of Methodist Hospital Foundation determined that there should be a new organization to support Methodist Hospital. In the fall of 1984, Bishop Hodapp and Dr. Kara McGrath suggested Sher Lee Sommers as the person to take on that role, one that Sher Lee accepted. After working tirelessly to organize, in February
1985, Sher Lee Sommers, Betty Tilson (Stilwell), Anne Pantzer, Sally Luger, and Linda Leary, the Steering Committee, met with Dr. Lloyd, Mr. Campbell, and Dr. John Pantzer to understand the vision for the new organization. On April 29, 1985, the Steering Committee was officially recognized. On June 5, 1985, the Steering Committee met to vote on the name of the organization - Methodist Hospital Task Core, to set the organizational structure, and to select a slate of officers. There was a general agreement that this organization would establish a unique niche with its only requirement for membership being a willingness to commit time and effort to support Methodist Hospital. The first officers of Methodist Hospital Task Core (“Task Core”) were Sher Lee Sommers, President, Bettye Gibbons, Executive Vice President, and President Elect, Alpha Blackburn, Communications Vice President, Anne Schuster, Recording Secretary; Jean Whitcraft, Corresponding Secretary; and Sally Lugar, Treasure. The duties of task core are 1) responding to the health concerns of the community with educational program staff by Methodist hospital personnel and task or members; 2 working in the area of public relations to increase awareness of the wonderful medical advances in treatment at Methodist Hospital; 3) raising funds for Methodist hospital which turn hope into help; and 4) getting to know and enjoy the company of other women who share similar interests. The heart of Task Core is a shared belief and commitment to compassionate care and the excellence of its delivery at Methodist Hospital. Fundraising for Methodist Hospital has been a focal point from the beginning. From 1988 to 2013 the major fundraiser was Indianapolis Art and Antique Show. It was regarded as one of the Midwest Premier events of its type and allowed Task Core to make significant contributions to Methodist hospital and its education community programs. Over the years Task Core has presented various fund raisers and programs such as jewelry sales, the “Shining a Light” luncheon highlighting various aspects of women health. Starting in 2014 other fundraisers have included the Handbag Happy Hour silent auction event and Art and Antiques Redux, a smaller version of the former art and antique show. Since 2018 the focus of Task Core has been changed from a strictly fundraising organization to an educational focus. In keeping with this direction, Task Core’s first educational lecture was “An Evening with Sam Quiones,” in 2018, focused on America’s opioid crisis. The focus on education continued in 2019, supported by a generous gift from the estate of Francine Rosenberg when “The Gift of Breathing Easier: Advancements in Lung Transplant Medicine,” was presented at the inaugural Francine Rosenberg Lecture series. The second Francine Rosenberg lecture was held virtually in the fall of 2020, due to COVID-19, with the topic “Innovations in Stroke Care.”
