Sheila and George Tichy: Honoring a Legacy of Service and Stewardship

Sheila and George Tichy

For Sheila and George Tichy, supporting the Order of Malta Clinic has never been about accolades or recognition. From the Clinic’s earliest days, their involvement has been rooted in something far deeper: a shared belief that no one should be denied healthcare because of their circumstances, and a conviction that faith should be lived out through action.

This year, as honorary chairs of the Clinic’s Champions Gala, Sheila and George bring full circle a decades-long commitment that helped shape the Clinic into what it is today: a place of healing, hope, and dignity for thousands of patients every year.

A Vision Realized

The Tichys' connection to the Clinic goes back to its founding, when then-Western Association President Dick Madden championed the idea of a free medical clinic in Northern California. George, who served as General Counsel at the time, recalls the early vision that took shape through collaboration between the Order of Malta and the Diocese of Oakland.

"Bill McInerney and Bishop Vigneron were instrumental partners," George shares. "With their support and Dick’s determination, the Clinic became more than an idea, it became a mission realized within the Cathedral of Christ the Light."

The Tichys were early supporters, both financially and through leadership. George helped oversee legal matters during the Clinic’s formation, and together with Sheila, they became part of the founding group of donors whose generosity brought the Clinic to life.

A Clinic Built on Compassion and Community

What’s sustained their involvement over the years, George says, is simple: “The Clinic works.”

From the beginning, the Clinic offered something rare. Quality care to those on the economic margins, delivered with dignity and at no cost. The Tichys have witnessed firsthand how the Clinic has grown in size, scope, and impact, fueled by a passionate volunteer base and the generosity of donors across the Bay Area and beyond.

“Even though the Clinic is in Oakland, it’s truly a regional effort,” George explains. “The support comes from all across the Bay. From the San Francisco Region, from the Western Association, and from so many who believe in this mission.”

We All Have Something to Give

As a lawyer, not a clinician, George found his own way to contribute meaningfully beyond donations, offering his legal expertise to support the Clinic’s HR policies and operations. “We all have something to give,” he says. “The Clinic needs more than just medical professionals. It needs people who can help with administration, fundraising, legal counsel, and governance. That’s what makes this a community.”

Sheila, too, has consistently supported the Clinic’s work through her unwavering support, perspective, and partnership. Together, they embody the belief that when every member contributes their unique gifts, remarkable things happen.

Why This Year’s Gala Matters

This year’s Gala holds special meaning for the Tichys. Not just because they’re serving as honorary chairs, but because it celebrates a defining milestone: the Clinic’s expansion, which will allow it to eventually serve more than 12,000 patient visits a year.

“With the Clinic’s expansion, our responsibility also expands,” George notes. “This is a pivotal moment, and our continued support ensures that the Clinic can meet the growing demand for services and continue to deliver care rooted in Christ’s love.”

As they look ahead to the Gala, the Tichys hope guests walk away not only inspired, but invested. “This event isn’t just a celebration,” George says. “It’s a call to action. A reminder that together, we are part of something lasting and life-changing.”