JOYCE AND BOB BYERS, SR.

Every season is Christmas at the Byers’ Choice, Ltd., headquarters in Chalfont, Pennsylvania. Just one step across the Christmas Museum threshold, and visitors of all ages are transported into a whimsical world featuring the signature “Carolers” figurines, beloved by collectors worldwide for their timelessness and charming handcrafted details.

The Carolers were originally imagined, designed, and created by Joyce Byers, who sculpted the first models at her family’s kitchen table in the 1960s. “Joyce couldn’t find decorations that we could afford and that truly represented the warmth and joy of the season,” Bob recalls. Initially the Carolers were gifts for family and friends, but demand for the figurines grew quickly as more and more people admired their delightful qualities.

Soon the entire Byers family was involved in production, and Bob was selling door to door. “I was in the construction business at the time,” he says, “and we were struggling to make ends meet. Once we finally got accepted to the New York gift show, I could stop banging on doors! My advice is that if your spouse has a hobby, you should encourage it because you never know where it might lead,” he said with a smile.

Over the last forty years, the success of the Carolers has allowed Bob and Joyce to expand on another passion—giving back. A substantial portion of the Byers’ Choice yearly profits directly supports local, national, and international charities. The Byers Foundation was formed in 1982, and since then Bob’s dedication to philanthropy has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the National Caring Award, given to only five Americans each year. “We are regular people that God has blessed,” Bob says, “and we have a responsibility to help others, especially in our community.”

Doylestown Health is one of the many organizations that benefit from the Byers’ longtime involvement and generosity, as Bob has a special appreciation for the importance of good health. “I have four stents and I wouldn’t be here without the capable doctors at the Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular,” he acknowledges.

Bob calls Dr. Auteri and Dr. Guidera his godsends. “They’re first-rate doctors. I’m proud to support Doylestown Hospital because one of the best ways you can give back is to make sure people are healthy,” he continues. “Doylestown Hospital is a community treasure and I want to make sure it’s here for families in our community, including the wonderful people that work with us at Byers’ Choice.”

According to Jim Brexler, President and CEO of Doylestown Health, “Bob and Joyce are incredibly civic- and community-minded people. Their early gifts to the hospital allowed us to expand and innovate, and serve more patients. Because of their most recent gift to the Second Century Fund, we can continue to grow and meet the needs of the community.”

“Transformational gifts from community leaders like Bob and Joyce demonstrate a vote of confidence in Doylestown Health and our future plans,” says Laura Wortman, Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “To have their support means a great deal. We are truly grateful for all they do to make us and our community stronger.”

Along with their leadership gift, Bob and Joyce chose a signature piece of artwork from their private collection to grace the reflection garden in front of the new Cardiovascular and Critical Care Pavilion. Titled The Dance of the Cranes, the sculpture holds deep meaning for Bob. “To me it’s a symbol of rebirth, similar to what happens after you enter the hospital and are transformed by the life-restoring experience of being healed. The crane represents good fortune and longevity, and I came out of Doylestown Hospital with a whole new life,” he shares.

For Bob, the crane is as much a symbol of his journey as a beacon for others. “I thought it would be wise to do more good while I can still see the benefit it will have. I hope that I can encourage others to give back to Doylestown Health, too.”