- April 30, 2024
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The Florida Hospital Flagler Foundation named Annie W. Woodard the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year.
Woodard is one of the few original employees from Bunnell Community Hospital to be employed at FHF.
Dr. John Canakaris personally hired her, in 1979, with one simple question: Can you cook?
Since then, Woodard has worked to give hospital employees and patients a little taste of home.
“When you say, ‘Annie,’ people know exactly who you’re talking about because she has touched so many lives,” said David Ottati, Florid Hospital Flagler CEO.
One family she touched specifically was the family of Dr. Dennis and Laurie Alter, who hosted the awards reception at their home.
When Laurie Alter gave birth to her youngest son, just days before Thanksgiving, Woodard prepared a full Thanksgiving dinner for the family.
But Woodard’s hospitality extends farther than the hospital walls.
Every year during Thanksgiving, she opens her doors to many in the community, including those with no family.
“These people knew that she was always there for them,” said Laurie Alter said.
Woodard is also involved in the American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Club, NAACP, the homeless ministry and Calvary Christian Center.
But Woodard said she’s just doing what she loves.
“I still can’t believe it,” she said of winning the award. “But with God, all things are possible.”
