Hospital foundation says thank you (02/01/08)

To the editor:

Once again the caring citizens of this community have met a substantial challenge in the raising of $1,103,159.18 towards a goal of $1 million in the Jay County Hospital Foundation's "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" capital campaign.

That this has been accomplished demonstrates a widespread appreciation for Jay County Hospital and a realization of the importance of broadening the base of financial support - support that is now at the mercy of government formulas over which the local hospital has no control.

While the announcement on Jan. 24 ended the 2007 capital campaign, it is but the beginning of what will become an ongoing effort to build an endowment that will continue to enable those who care about this hospital to step forward with their support.

While it took contributions from $5 to $100,000 for the Capital Campaign to succeed, it took dedication and sustained effort from the following groups to make it all happen:

•The members of the Jay County Hospital Board of Trustees, which includes Dean Jetter, chairman, along with Sharon Hammers, Debbie Kummer, David Littler, Roger Locker, Pat Miller and John Nill.

•The members of the capital campaign cabinet and their division chairs: Bill and Becky Hinkle, co-chairs; Dr. Eugene Gillum and Betty Starbuck, honorary co-chairs; Board of Trustees and Foundation Board; Dr. Scott Frankenfield and Dr. Gillum, medical staff; Pat Bennett and Rob and Susan Moser, industrial/manufacturing; John Coldren, secretary; Scott Bollenbacher, treasurer; Don Michael, assistant treasurer; Anita Young, clubs and organizations; Chuck Huffman, financial dividison; Ron Freeman, pace-setting; Vicki Tague, special gifts; Phil Frantz, advance gifts; Eric Rogers, major gifts; and Duane Sautbine, primary gifts.

•The campaign professionals, including Joe Johnston, CEO, Jay County Hospital; Pam Bennett, director of public relations and the Jay County Hospital Foundation; and fundraising consultants from Woodburn, Kyle and Associates.

•Members of the Jay County Hospital Foundation board of directors, including John Young, chairman; Janet Bantz, Brad DeRome, Ron Freeman, Mark Goldman, Donna Haggenjos, Joe Johnston, Rex Journay, Debbie Kummer, Don Michael, Dan Orr, Trent Paxson, Duane Sautbine and Ruth Ann Widman.

Thank you, Jay County and beyond, for once again demonstrating that when "Neighbors Help Neighbors" it helps to ensure far into the future that the deliverance of "Quality Care by Those Who Care" is a commitment with deep and lasting meaning.

John G. Young, chairman

The Jay County

Hospital Foundation

Why?

To the editor:

I visited my husband's grave at the IOOF Cemetery in Pennville a few weeks ago. I was very upset and shocked to see that someone took all my things that were on his grave.

There were two cement urns, a shepherd's hook, an angel with ornaments, a cement block with a saying on it, plus little things sitting around the tombstone.

I just don't understand why anyone would do this.

All I want is the items returned, with no questions asked.

God only knows who you are. So please return those items. Please.

May God bless you.

Bonnie Cart

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