Hospital employees reach $500,000 goal By Joy Swearingen, Managing editor Wednesday, September 18, 2013 11:36 AM CDT In the past five years, employees at Memorial Hospital have accomplished something many thought was impossible. This fall the employees committee reached their pledge of raising $500,000 toward the Capital Campaign for the new hospital facility. To honor the employees accomplishment, an anonymous donor offered to pay for the celebration. "We knew we wanted to do some kind of celebration when they reached the goal," said Ada Bair, hospital CEO. "The employees would not have been comfortable with a party of this scale, taking money out of what was raised." The donor asked that the employees choose how they wanted to celebrate. The committee polled the staff and learned they wanted to include family members who had helped on many events, food, and volleyball. They wanted it at the hospital, so that those on duty could take part for a while during their shifts. The party was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in the employee parking area of the hospital. It included a catered meal, fun snacks, bounce houses, a volleyball tournament, a bag lawn chair for each employee and entertainment. Midway through, a brief program was held. Dina Schaller was chairman of the employee campaign. "Five years ago I sat at a meeting when Ada asked if someone would like to head up the campaign," Schaller said. "I had no idea how this simple act of volunteerism would change my life." During that time the employees organized 5K walks, basketball tournaments, golf outings, bake sales. They sold photos, throws, books and much more. "As I watched you employees work together there were always smiles on your faces and a feeling of camaraderie among you," said Bair, as she applauded the group. Hospital board president, Terry Pope, honored and thanked the employees. Greta Wetzel read a letter or recognition from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, and a proclamation from Carthage Mayor Jim Nightingale, declaring Sept. 14 as "Memorial Hospital Employee Recognition Day." Over 200 employees of Memorial Hospital and its affiliated agencies and clinics worked on the goal to raise money. All those affiliated employees were part of the celebration. Any continuing fundraising will go to the $4 million capital campaign for the hospital.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:22:19 +0000
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