by Holly Rauch

Photo by Steve Truesdell/Jacquin Studio Photography

Patricia Arnold, a widowed mother of three, learned at an early age that her best gift in life is to give back to others. And if you ask her, she hasn't made any sacrifices doing it. Arnold, the president of St. John's Mercy Foundation, has dedicated her life's work to philanthropy.

Arnold spends her days - and sometimes evenings, weekends and holidays - promoting community awareness for the Foundation's mission, which is to expand health and educational programs associated with the hospital, including providing comprehensive care, obstetrical services and low-cost prescriptions to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients.

"The opportunity to be engaged with people who are making a real difference in people's lives and to be associated with an organization that has such a commitment to excellence - you just can't help but feel the energy that's involved in that," Arnold says.

She is proud to be aligned with an organization whose values and principles match her own. She notes the success of the hospital's commitment to maintaining the Sisters of Mercy ministry tradition, which is marked by service, stewardship and respect for the dignity of each person while providing services that are not readily available in St. Louis County, including a regional burn center and the only level I trauma center and level III neonatal intensive care unit.

"I think one of the things of interest is that people don't know all of the charity care St. John's does," Arnold says. "I think people know it's an excellent hospital, but do they know that we also have these educational, health and wellness programs? For me, the key message overall is we want to expand community services and enhance programs. It's simple, but it's true."

Arnold knows firsthand how important support from community, friends and family can be. In 1996, her husband Todd died from a sudden heart attack at the age of 38. It was during that time she and her children drew strength from the kindness of others.

"When we needed it, it was there," Arnold says. "And those are things that you just don't forget. You know that if someone can do that for you, you want to be able to do it for someone else."

Arnold's purpose is clear. Her passion is strong. And in November, she was recognized for it. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) awarded Arnold as this year's local chapter's "Astounding Fundraising Executive."

While the Foundation is just about two years in the running, Arnold has 20 years of development experience, previously raising more than $75 million for the Missouri Botanical Garden.

As for her vast knowledge in the fund-raising arena, she credits her professional colleagues.

"The good fund-raisers are people who have passion and knowledge for what they're working for," Arnold says. "But the other real quality that is so important is being genuine. It's a fine mix of all of those things that makes a fund-raiser a good professional. The nice thing is, is that it is a profession."

But speaking to her clear determination to help others and to her sense of community commitment, she credits her upbringing - above all her parents - for inspiring her and teaching her the importance of family and faith.

"Life's been a real opportunity to learn and grow," Arnold says.

And her life's accomplishments are not feats to be ignored. She has single-handedly raised three boys, managed a household and fund-raised mega capital for nonprofit organizations, all the while creating community awareness and helping others in need.

"Whatever gift I have that I can give back, I want to do that," she says. "I do take that very seriously."

Rauch is a freelance writer who is glad to call St. Louis home again after five years in New York City.

Article appears as published in the St. Louis Woman Magazine December 2006 issue.