ST. GEORGE — The legacy of Dr. Craig Booth lives on.
In a story not long after his death, St. George News reported that Booth’s greatest legacy was the thousands of St. George residents he delivered as babies and treated as children and adults during his career.
That was before the Doc Booth Foundation began in remembrance of the man’s strong desire to give back to his community. Now through the nonprofit organization bearing his name, Booth could soon be financing scholarships for a child or grandchild of a Southern Utah resident he delivered.
“He had such a love for the local kids, especially the high school kids,” daughter Brittany Booth Fonnesbeck said. “He’s also a huge proponent of education.”
Fonnesbeck and family have been preparing for the new foundation’s kickoff event. She said funds raised by the nonprofit will be used to fund scholarships for local youth.
According to the Doc Booth Foundation website, the group’s mission is two-fold: to empower individuals through educational opportunities and promote mental health advocacy.
“We are dedicated to creating a positive impact on Southern Utah,” the website states. “If you have any inquiries, suggestions or would like to contribute to our cause, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can continue Dr. Booth’s legacy and make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.”
The foundation will grant a $2,000 scholarship to Washington County School District students planning on an undergraduate degree or obtaining a certificate at a technical college.
Eligible students must have secured admission to a college, university or technical school for the year 2024 and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above in high school, the website states.
The first scholarships will be awarded by the end of May 2024. Scholarships may be deferred for up to two years if needed.
After interning at UCLA-Harbor General Hospital in Los Angeles, California, Booth returned to town in 1973 as the sixth member of the medical staff of what was then Dixie Pioneer Memorial Hospital.
Along with decades as a practicing doctor, Booth taught physiology at then Dixie College for 18 years and served on the local water and power committees for 20 years after graduating from Dixie High School.
“The Dixie spirit of the community — he just loved it. That’s what he lived for,” Fonnesbeck said. “So I just want to carry that on somehow. And I thought this (foundation) was the best way.”
Those who would like to attend the grand opening gala of the Doc Booth Foundation can purchase tickets online at the organization’s website or through Venmo using @docboothfoundation.
The dinner, concert and silent auction will take place in St. George at the Dixie Convention Center on Saturday, April 20, at 6 p.m. Single tickets start at $200 per person and corporate-sponsored tables can be purchased for up to $10,000.
The auction will include many items donated by local businesses — from car washes and spa treatments to a year’s worth of Chik-fil-A — and even barbecue equipment made by a Utah company.
Entertainment for the semi-formal evening will be provided by local musicians Brandon and McKenzie Lee with serenades from Booth’s alma mater, the Dixie High School Madrigals.
“Those who would like to donate to scholarships for Washington County kids but cannot attend the gala can do so at the foundation’s website as well,” Fonnesbeck added.
- What: Doc Booth Foundation kickoff gala
- When: Saturday, April 20, at 6 p.m.
- Where: The Dixie Convention Center, 1835 S. Convention Center Drive, St. George.
- Cost: Tickets for the gala can be purchased online for $200 each, or a table of eight for $1,500, by clicking this link.
All proceeds fund future scholarships for Washington County School District graduates.
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