Patty Olson receives Spirit of Philanthropy Award

Every year, the Barton Foundation recognizes a philanthropist that stands out above the rest. This year, the Foundation has selected Patty Olson as the beneficiary of their Spirit of Philanthropy award.

Patty moved to South Lake Tahoe in 1950 and was instrumental in in the creation of Barton Memorial Hospital. She was a founding member of the Barton Auxiliary and helped organize the Auxiliary's first fundraiser for the hospital. She hosted many other Barton fundraising events at Young's Bijou Lodge, which she and her husband Neal Olson owned and operated.

Patty’s generosity extends beyond the hospital walls. A devout Catholic, Patty helped raise funds to build the St. Theresa Catholic Church in the 1950s and was instrumental in the creation of St. Theresa School in 1962. Patty also served on the El Dorado County Recreation Commission for eight years and was a charter member of the Cancer League.

When her husband passed in 1998, Patty helped raise funds for the Neal Olson Playroom at Barton Memorial Hospital that is available for children and families to enjoy. Today, at age 89, many still call Patty the "lifeblood" of the hospital.

The Barton Foundation will recognize Patty Olson at the Barton Gala on Saturday, December 6 at Harrah’s in Stateline, Nevada. For ticket information for the Gala, contact the Barton Foundation at (530) 543-5614.