Doylestown Health FoundationDoylestown Health FoundationDoylestown Health FoundationDoylestown Health Foundation
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JOYCE AND BOB BYERS, SR.

Giving for All Seasons

For Joyce and Bob Byers, Sr., the joy of giving launched successful careers and a thriving family business that allows them to make a difference year-round.

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.”

Article appears in the 2019 Philanthropy Report

About Doylestown Health Foundation

As the philanthropic arm of Doylestown Health, the Doylestown Health Foundation raises funds to safeguard the future of excellence in patient care and improves the quality of life for all members of our Central Bucks County community and beyond. Join us and make a gift today. For more information about Doylestown Health Foundation and giving opportunities at Doylestown Health, please call 215.345.2009 or email gifts@dh.org.

DONOR STORIES

Strengthening Community Health
Read about Pat and Alex Gorsky

Investing Together
Read about the Doylestown Health Medical Staff

Enduring Gifts
Read about Alice and Bob Vernon

Building Family
Read about John and Mike McManus

Deeply Rooted in Giving
Read about the Clark Family

Planting Inspiration
Read about Pine Run

Answering the Challenge
Read about the Boards of Trustees

Advancing Education and Innovation
Read Jim and Jean's Story

Boundless Gratitude
Read Andrea and Ed’s Story

An Extraordinary Journey
Read Howard and Lisa’s Story

Gifts of Wellness
Read Dr. Khanna’s Story

Uniting Faith and Philanthropy
Read Marge and Rick’s Story

The Road to Healthy Living
Read Fred Bean's Story

A Material Difference
Read Frank Terry's Story

Giving for All Seasons
Read Joyce and Bob's Story

Cultivating a Better Tomorrow
Read Barb and Tom's Story

A Continuum of Quality Care
Read Grey Warner's Story

A Home for Creativity and Inspiration
Read Sylvia Roman's Story

Mission Critical
Read the Critical Care Story

The Hands of Medicine
Read The Morel Family Foundation's Story

Something Worthwhile
Read Jean and Norm Leister's Story

Investing in Our Future
Read the One Vision Story

Gratitude for Outstanding Care
Read a Grateful Surgeon's Story

A Gift that Pays Dividends
Read John's Story

Designing Healthy Communities
Read the VIA's Story

A Grateful Gentleman
Read Bob's Story

Giving Goes Full Circle
Read Stephen's Story

Partners in Philanthropy
Read Jeanne and John's Story

Paying in Forward
Read Bill and Mary Lee's Story

Generations of Excellent Care
Read Pat and Carol's Story

A Mulligan for Life
Read Steve's Story

A Supermarket of Community Care
Read Joe' Story

Investing in a Winner
Read William's Story

Leaders with Heart
Read Marv and Dee Ann's Story

Pediatric Care, Close to Home
Read Helen's Story

The Ripple Effect of Giving
Read Herman's Story

Beating Breast Cancer and Helping Others
Read Debbie's Story

Honoring a Beloved Spouse
Read Jim's Story

It Takes a Village
Read the Hirschmanns' Story

Doylestown Health Foundation

HIPAA Privacy Practices   |   Website Privacy Policy   |   Terms and Conditions   |   595 West State Street   |   Doylestown, PA 18901   |   215.345.2009   |   © 2023 Doylestown Health Foundation

  • One Vision Campaign
    • About One Vision
    • Campaign Giving
      • Planned Giving
        • Cornerstone Society
      • Endowments
      • Tax-Advantaged Giving Opportunities
      • Medical Staff Giving
      • Associate Giving
      • Friends of the Heart Institute
      • Naming Opportunities
    • One Vision Campaign Priorities
      • Children’s Village
      • Clark Center for Breast Imaging
      • Interventional Radiology
      • Doylestown Hospital Renovations and Expansions
      • Surgical Suite Renovation and Expansion
      • Clark Center for Critical Care Medicine
      • Precision Medicine
      • Woodall Center for Heart and Vascular Care
      • Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
      • Pine Run Retirement Community
    • Campaign Events
      • Morel Family Foundation Center for Prenatal Care Ribbon-Cutting
      • Clark Center for Breast Imaging Ribbon-Cutting
      • Children’s Village Groundbreaking
      • Shindell Concourse Ribbon-Cutting
      • Clark Center for Critical Care Medicine Ribbon-Cutting
      • Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center Ribbon-Cutting
      • Byers Reflection Garden Ribbon-Cutting
      • Woodall Heart & Vascular Ribbon-Cutting
      • Beaming with Pride
    • Campaign Donors
      • One Vision Honor Roll
      • Annual Giving Honor Roll
      • Associate Honor Roll
      • Friends of the Heart Honor Roll
      • Medical Staff Honor Roll
      • One Community Honor Roll
      • Planned Giving Honor Roll
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Us
    • About Our Centennial
      • Visit DH100.org
    • About the Foundation
    • About Doylestown Health
    • About the VIA
    • Awards and Recognition
    • Contact Us
  • Giving Opportunities
    • Annual Giving
    • Children’s Village Campaign
    • Naming Opportunities
    • Tribute and Memorial Giving
    • Nursing Awards & Scholarships
    • Honor A Caregiver
    • Planned Giving
      • Cornerstone Society
    • Endowments
    • Tax-Advantaged Giving
    • Associates Giving Campaign
    • Medical Staff Campaign
    • Friends of the Heart Institute
    • Matching Gifts
    • Global Relief
  • Impact
    • Donor Stories
    • The Power of Your Support
    • Celebrating Generosity
    • Covid-19 Response
      • Docuseries
      • ONE COMMUNITY
  • Media
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter
    • Publications
    • Videos
    • Advertisements
  • Events
    • Our Centennial
    • One Vision
      • Children’s Village Topping Off Ceremony
      • Morel Family Foundation Center for Prenatal Care Ribbon-Cutting
      • Clark Center for Breast Imaging Ribbon-Cutting
      • Children’s Village Groundbreaking
      • Shindell Concourse Ribbon-Cutting
      • Clark Center for Critical Care Medicine Ribbon-Cutting
      • Clark Outpatient Rehabilitation Center Ribbon-Cutting
      • Byers Reflection Garden Ribbon-Cutting
      • Woodall Heart & Vascular Ribbon-Cutting
      • Beaming with Pride
    • Donor Recognition
      • 2023 Donor Appreciation Event
      • 2022 Donor Appreciation Event
      • 2021 Donor Appreciation Event
      • 2022 Special Recognition Reception
      • 2021 Special Recognition Reception
      • 2019 Special Recognition Reception
    • Cornerstone Society Annual Appreciation Luncheon
      • 2023 Cornerstone Society Appreciation Luncheon
      • 2022 Annual Appreciation Luncheon
      • 2021 Annual Appreciation Luncheon
    • Golf Classic
      • 2023 Golf Classic
      • 2022 Golf Classic
      • 2021 Golf Classic
      • 2020 Golf Classic
      • 2019 Golf Classic
    • Raffle
      • 2022 Raffle
      • 2021 Raffle
      • 2020 Raffle
      • 2019 Raffle
    • Day of Giving
    • Community-Sponsored
      • Associate Appreciation Luncheon
      • PhillyStrong at Doylestown Hospital
      • Messages of Hope for Doylestown
      • 2018 Circle of Life
      • 2018 Cardiac Cook-Off
  • Donate Now
Doylestown Health Foundation