Sue Davis, center, a nurse St. Barnabas Nursing Home, pins a corsage to actress Debbie Reynolds, left, as Gloria Henze, a resident at the home, shakes her hand on Thursday, April 24, 2008. Reynolds was the recipient of the 2008 Hance Award, presented by St. Barnabas Health Systems. Butler Eagle File Photo

Actress Debbie Reynolds’ charm and wit radiated through the halls of St. Barnabas Nursing Home on April 24, 2008, as she greeted dozens of exuberant residents.

Reynolds visited the region to accept an award given annually by St. Barnabas Charities, the fundraising arm of St. Barnabas Health Systems, which raised more than $5.6 million in free care for residents in 2007.

Pennsylvania Sen. Jane Orie called Reynolds her “favorite movie star of all time” in a speech at the building’s chapel. She said the actress “exemplifies the finest in human spirit and inspiration” before presenting her with an honorary citation from the state Senate.

But the award wasn't the only gift Reynolds received during her journey to Western Pennsylvania. St. Barnabas residents also surprised her by presenting a homemade quilt with pictures depicting different scenes chronicling Reynolds’ career. She also received a symbolic key to the St. Barnabas campus.

“I will honor the quilt, but I’m afraid I won’t be sleeping with the key,” Reynolds said with a laugh.