The TWIG, a volunteer organization of local women raising funds for Inova Alexandria Hospital, held its annual luncheon in the Grand Ballroom at the Belle Haven Country Club on June 4. The program included the presentation of a $175,000 check to Inova Alexandria Hospital, marking the organizations largest contribution to date.

Senator Patsy Ticer opened the luncheon with a presentation of a Commending Resolution from the Virginia General Assembly in recognition of the organizations 75 years of serving Alexandria. Sen. Ticer, a past Twig president, remarked on the incredible journey the organization has taken since its inception in 1933.

Outgoing TWIG President Anita Carson presented the $175,000 check to the hospitals new chief executive officer, Christine M. Candio. Candio remarked on The TWIGs spirit of service, volunteerism, and generosity to Inova Alexandria Hospital. Candio began her new position on February 4 this year, bringing 25 years of clinical management experience in a wide variety of healthcare settings, serving most recently as executive vice president of Hallmark Health System and executive vice president of Lawrence Memorial Hospital, also part of Hallmark Health System in Melrose, Massachusetts.

TWIG also presented a $5,000 check to Maureen Zutz of the Inova Health System Foundation designated for The TWIG Nursing Scholarship at Inova Alexandria Hospital. This check represents the first installment of a $25,000 pledge for the nursing scholarship over a 5-year period exclusively for INOVA Alexandria Hospital, and is in addition to the current pledge towards the TWIG Pavilion.

The TWIG, a beneficiary of the annual Antiques in Alexandria held at the Flippin Field House at Episcopal High School, was presented a check for $30,000 by Jim Wilhoit and Bill Anderson, Board Directors of Antiques in Alexandria. This check is the largest amount received since the inception of Twigs participation as a benefactor of the event.

For more information about The TWIG, visit www.thetwig.org.