Long-time business contributors were honored on Thursday, April 20, 2017, night at the 30th Anniversary kickoff of the CGH Health Foundation Annual Appeal. The campaign is being dedicated to the late Joseph Henderson, a retired banker and Foundation trustee.
“The contributions from all of our businesses have made a big difference in improving access to healthcare for folks in the Sauk Valley,” said Nick Lareau, Business Division Chair for the campaign. “Of the 125 businesses that we are celebrating tonight, the amount given collectively is nearly $592,000! And the total number of years given as a group is 1622 years.”
Thirteen local businesses were recognized, including three Charter Members whose gifts date back to the first Annual Appeal. These included Arthur J. Gallagher, Larson Hardware, and USBank.
Ten other businesses cited for donating 25 or more years included Engel Electric; Fifth Third Bank; Halo Branded Solutions; Midland States Bank; Prescott Partnership; Select Employees Credit Union; Turnroth Signs; Wahl Clipper Corp.; Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson; City of Sterling.
The 2017 cabinet of CGH was introduced. General Chair is Marty Benson; Clubs Division Chair, Jerry Binder; Medical Division Chair, Dr. Matthew Cutter; CGH Employee Division Co-Chairs Mary Jean Derreberry and Mary Spitzer. The goal is $350,000 for 13 programs.
Joseph Henderson believed strongly in giving back to his community, according to Tim Zollinger, Foundation trustee. “He will be remembered for his tireless efforts to change lives and save lives in the Sauk Valley. Joe leaves a legacy of integrity, fairness, and love of his community. He was instrumental in leading the Foundation in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the under-served, for wellness education, scholarships, and to purchase needed equipment for the hospital.”
A single gift from a Sterling native was the impetus for creating the Foundation. Little did the late Emil Ryberg know what was to come, when he made his $400,000 gift in the mid-1980’s. What followed was incorporation of the Foundation on September 15, 1987. Ryberg’s generosity has allowed the hospital to take its caring tradition outside hospital walls and into the communities served.
Lareau thanked both the Rock Falls and Sauk Valley Area Chambers for their support of the event. He said, “Not only did both chambers promote our event, but each was well represented tonight, with Ambassadors helping to make the night a success.”
In the past 30 years, area businesses, clubs, and individuals have contributed over $5 million for community wellness programs, free-to-low-cost health services, bricks and mortar projects, equipment, scholarships, and programs like Love on a Leash, Eyeglasses for Kids, and Prescott Dental Clinic.
Go to www.cghmc.com/foundation to make a contribution. For more information contact Joan Hermes, Executive Director, at 815-625-0400, extension 5672.