Each November, the Confluence Health Foundation hosts an elegant celebration in honor of the “Spirit of A.Z. Wells” awardee.
The “Spirit of A.Z. Wells” Award is presented annually by the Confluence Health Foundation in recognition of those who have provided significant support and leadership to Confluence Health or other charitable health-related institutions in North Central Washington. Named after philanthropists and community leaders Alfred Z. and Emogene Wells, the award was established in 1992 to pay tribute to those who selflessly share their time, talent, and treasure.
A.Z. Wells and his wife, Emogene, were early pioneers of this region and became prominent Wenatchee orchardists. Their success enabled them to establish the Wells Foundation, which they endowed with $1.6 million dollars in 1950. The Wells Foundation continues to benefit local hospitals—including Central Washington Hospital—and local non-profit organizations, as well as fund a scholarship program.
“Spirit of A.Z. Wells” Gala Past Recipients
1992 – Niles Saunders
1993 – Harold & Margaret Weed
1994 – Dr. Gordon H. Congdon
1995 – Ross A. Heminger
1996 – Mary Ellen Miller
1997 – Margie Kerr & Betsy Tontini
1998 – Carol J. Norton
1999 – Dr. Fred & Ann Deal
2000 – Dr. John & Alice Jenkins
2001 – Robert L. Parlette
2002 – Jim & Grace Lynch
2003 – Robert & Jane Hensel
2004 – Dennis & Sharron Johnson
2005 – Irwin & Judy Connor
2006 – Dr. David & Pat Notter
2007 – Dr. Terry & Suzanne Sorom
2008 – Al & Millie Cordell
2009 – Si & Corina Bautista
2010 – Wenatchee Valley Medical Center
2011 – Marc Heminger
2012 – John T. Evans Jr.
2013 – Carl & Betty Campbell
2014 – Rudi Pauly
2015 – Dr. Ed Farrar
2016 – Jim Wade
2017 – Dr. Dave Parks
2018 – Wenatchee Valley Street Rods
2019 – Carol Wardell
