Sun Mar Healthcare gives new car to frontline CNA for holiday surprise

To honor their 4,000 frontline essential healthcare employees during this Covid-holiday season, Sun

Mar Healthcare hosted a grandprize drawing for all employees. In addition to the gift giveaway drawings conducted at each facility, larger grand prizes included $500 gift cards, a year’s worth of gasoline and a brand-new Ford Ecosport vehicle.

Theresa Lopez Placencia, a CNA at Valley West Post-acute in Williams for more than 14 years, was the winner of the SUV. The vehicle, adorned with festive flowers and balloons, was awaiting her outside the facility shortly after her name was announced during the December 17 reveal.

“Theresa has a heart of gold and has been serving the seniors in this area for years,” said Bryce Porter, chief marketing officer of Sun Mar Healthcare. “We are so grateful to have such amazing employees like Theresa. During such a trying year, it was truly a highlight in my career to celebrate our frontline heroes this holiday season, with one of them driving away in a new car.”

The surprise gift couldn’t have come at a better time. The radiator in Placencia’s car went out just three days prior to the giveaway, and she was planning to get rides to work for the foreseeable future. “When I saw the company was giving away a car, I thought the chances were so small given the total number of employees,” Placencia added. “I guess today was my lucky day!”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sun Mar Healthcare has continued its commitment to protecting employees and patients. However, as the epidemic has stretched on, Sun Mar Healthcare feels it is not enough to just protect its employees: It must celebrate them as well.