Pearl Award Recipients

The OSF Culture of Philanthropy is especially important at this time of uncertainty in health care and the challenges faced by our Ministry. Even in tough times, our Ministry is committed to giving back and serving our communities especially those who are the most vulnerable. That is why the Culture of Philanthropy is deeper than just supporting a charity. It is a bridge for sharing a vision and embracing a partnership with our patients, families and the OSF HealthCare Foundation.

The Pearl Award was established by the OSF HealthCare Foundation to recognize contributions to philanthropic excellence, compassionate care and visionary leadership that transforms health care. The award is named in honor of Dr. Rick Pearl, former director of pediatric trauma and surgeon in-chief at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. It was established in recognition of Dr. Pearl’s profound demonstration of the culture of philanthropy and his relationships and involvement with the OSF Foundation.

Each year, distinguished leaders from each OSF region are identified. Recognition and excellence awards were presented to each recipient for their commitment to the Culture of Philanthropy and for their dedication to advance the OSF Mission to ‘serve with the greatest care and love.'

Last Year's Recipients

Foundation Eileen Knightly Pearl Award 2022

Pearl Award Recipient | 2022

The Pearl Award was presented to Eileen Knightly, vice president and chief nursing officer at OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary Medical Center, during the Culture of Philanthropy celebration on Wednesday, November 9.

Eileen is accountable for leading the nursing operations at OSF Little Company of Mary to achieve Key Results and drive superior clinical outcomes. Eileen and her team establish quality standards and develop policies and procedures for the nursing staff, ensuring adequate staffing levels are maintained through the development of continuing education programs.

For 14 years, she has served as vice president of Equal Hope and was a founding member of the Metropolitan Breast Cancer Task Force in Chicago.

Eileen is recognized as an inspiring leader and shining example of what it means to live our Culture of Philanthropy.

To read more about each regional honoree, please click here.