Planters began in the spring of 1992 by a group of women interested in becoming more involved in Morton Plant Hospital and its Foundation.  As more women joined the core group of founders, a Spring Tea was planned and a mission was created: “To establish an educational, social and fund raising network for those within the Morton Plant Foundation Family and to create and support community outreach, Foundation programs and events.”

In 2001, The Lois Odence Endowment was established with gifts made in memory of Mrs. Odence, a Planters founder, and an emphasis on nursing began. Each year, scholarships are awarded to nursing students at the hospitals of Morton Plant Mease Health Care to help defray expenses beyond their nursing school needs – such as child care and transportation. To date, more than $300,000 has been given to deserving nursing students.

Designated to the Lois Odence Planters Scholarship Fund, membership levels start at $100 annually and offer a variety of benefits: