2023 Luke Award recognizes Tom Siegert, Boise Optimist Club for Children’s support

Held as an in-person event for the first time since 2020, two recipients of the Luke Award were honored recently at St. Luke's Anderson Center in Boise.

The St. Luke's Children's Advisory Board is proud to present the award to Tom Siegert, its individual recipient, and the Boise Optimist Club, its nonprofit organization recipient, in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to St. Luke's Children's and its fundraising efforts.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers and organizations support St. Luke's to raise funds and awareness for St. Luke's Children's Hospital — one of the most remote children's hospitals in the nation. These contributions help to ensure that the children in our region have the depth and quality of health care services that only a children’s hospital can provide.

Recipients of the Luke Award demonstrate their leadership, commitment and dedication to St. Luke's kids in everything that they do.

Siegert joined St. Luke's Children's Advisory Board in 2006, becoming chair in 2014 and serving on the board until 2021. During his career, he encouraged his employer, U.S. Bank, to become a major sponsor of events, plus volunteered in multiple ways, like selling carnations at the hospital and helping organize gifts during the annual Santa's Toy Box event.

“Tom truly believes in the mission and vision of St. Luke's,” said Karalie DeLuca, St. Luke's Advisory Board engagement and recognition chair. “His dedication to supporting the children in our community is evident in all he does.”

Since 2006, the Boise Optimist Club has funded Beads of Optimism, a program that lets young cancer patients document their journey by creating their own unique necklaces. The club also has teamed up with St. Luke’s Child Life to volunteer at picnics, carnivals, movie nights and even sponsored proms for patients.

“Our relationship with the Boise Optimist Club is a unique and cherished partnership and after more than 15 years of service, certainly one for which they deserve recognition,” DeLuca said.

2023 Recipients

Tom Siegert and Boise Optimist Club

Past Recipients

2020: Mike Mahan, Bronco Motors, and AJ's Angels

2019: Richard Herdegen, Costco, and the Friendship Foundation

2018: CH2M, Ronda Conger, and Boise State Dance Marathon

2017: Kami Faylor and Idaho Power

2016: Darin DeAngeli and Houston Bugatsch Architects

2015: David and Anne Moree Goss, Micron Foundation

2014: Todd and Pam Gabriel, Jayden DeLuca Foundation

2013: Andy and Shannon Erstad, Moffatt Thomas

2010: Susie Molenaar Butterfield, Idaho Credit Union League 

2009: Kathy Patrick and Children's Archery Challenge

2008: Shirley Osborn and Norco Medical

2007: Dixie Dykman, KIVI Today's Channel 6 

2006: Mike and Lisa Simplot, Boise Courtyard by Marriott 

2005: David Bishop, J.R. Simplot Company

2004: Charles and Carolyn Leader, Albertsons

2003: Celeste Keller, Dairy Queen

2002: Gwen Lytle, Blueprints Plus

2001: Sherry Iverson, St. Luke’s Auxiliary

2000: Dawneen Blakeslee, Wells Fargo