Keri Kropp’s retail locations in Historic Downtown Kerrville include—Schreiner Goods, SG Home, and Keri Kropp Space. Her lifestyle brand for each business is for her, really all about ‘quality and beauty.’ In October, Keri paired fashion with philanthropy for the Courage is Contagious charity event hosted at Schreiner Goods. Proceeds benefitted Hill Country Memorial’s Breast Center and Peterson Health’s Womens’ Services.

What was your first introduction to the HCMH Foundation?

My first introduction was at a Gala XVI auction preview held on Main Street. Schreiner Goods was invited by Vaudeville to model the Suzi Roher scarf—Beyond Measure, designed for Jayne Pope in honor of the HCM team and the hospital’s receipt of the Baldrige National Quality Award. I met Jayne Pope for the first time that evening and I was impressed by her advocacy to engage Fredericksburg’s business owners as partners in the hospital’s local events.

What inspired you to host Schreiner Goods first charity event, Courage is Contagious?

My philanthropy interest always involves helping women and children. So when Designer Suzi Roher explained that her Courage is Contagious scarf was made with cancer survivors in mind, I saw an opportunity for Schreiner Goods to sponsor a charity trunk show and include Roher and other designers. We set the date for October during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Our purpose was to honor Hill Country women facing breast cancer. It was important to me that all charitable proceeds remain local and benefit both Fredericksburg and Kerrville hospitals.

Brenda Bindock and Leah Thompson from Schreiner Goods took the lead and collaborated with the HCMH Foundation team, and from there the event took flight.

Thanks to the participation of the Fredericksburg community and HCMH Foundation donors, we had a great turnout. We look forward to Schreiner Goods partnering again with the Foundation in future events.

What do you think is the most important work that Hill Country Memorial provides?

I believe in prevention and early detection through health screenings. I come to HCM’s Breast Center for my mammograms. It’s comfortable and homey there. The staff is caring and so efficient—all of which I appreciate.

I admire the fact that Hill Country Memorial’s Wellness Center has served its community for almost 25 years. Healthy food and fitness are important to me and my family — my husband Jose Flores is a fitness specialist—so it’s the way we live. Since Jayne Pope became CEO, I’ve become more aware of the many ways the hospital offers free community screenings for diabetes and puts the focus on nutrition and making healthy lifestyle choices—I think that is some of HCM’s most important work.

How do you describe Hill Country Memorial to others?

What stands out to me is the Fredericksburg community and their solid support of the hospital—their generosity is reflected in the high quality of care available at Hill Country Memorial.