Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Cancer patients and their families don't just face medical bills when they fall victim to the disease.
"There are a lot of extraneous needs," said Sandy Rader, a registered nurse at Kosciusko Community Hospital.
An event tonight is dedicated to funding some of those needs. The Founder's Ball was developed last year as a celebration of the hospital's 20th year. The black-tie affair brought in $35,000 in its inaugural try, and it was decided to make the event an annual one.
Rader said the ball was originally generated to honor the founders of KCH, but those involved thought the money raised should go toward a good cause. It is sponsored by KCH and other corporations in the community, including Sofamor Danek and Dr. and Mrs. Dean Jansen - platinum sponsors who have donated $5,000. In return for their generosity, platinum sponsors receive 10 tickets to the ball.
Responses to invitations to the ball total about 175, with dinner costing $100 per plate.
This year's host committee comprises Rader, Carol Lyn Jansen, Kelly Burnworth, Jo Lemon, Jean Northenor, Ronna Fruth, Luann Deafenbaugh and Dr. Tom Howard.
Among the uses for the funds are wigs for patients who lose their hair through chemotherapy. Also, a special $700 furnace filter was purchased for the family of an infant who recently underwent a bone marrow transplant and couldn't come home until the filter was in place.
A citizens committee establishes the guidelines for eligibility in seeking funds and also disperses the money.
The charity ball begins with hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., with a program at 7:15 p.m. before dinner and dancing begin. Guests will likely be cutting a rug until about 11 p.m. The event takes place at Tippecanoe Country Club, where ladies will receive a wrist corsage of roses upon arrival.
Rader said that the committee expects to raise an amount at least equal to that of last year, but that unexpected things can happen. For instance, $28,000 had been raised as of the night of the ball last year when, at the dance, a representative of Dalton Foundries presented a check for $7,000.
"They wanted to do something nice for the hospital after all the help we provided after their explosion," Rader said. "Presenting the check for this event was their way of showing their appreciation."
Rader is convinced that the Founder's Ball will keep being backed by the community: "I feel like we will continue to be supported ... This community traditionally gives a lot to cancer causes." She added that the local chapter of the American Cancer Society is very successful.
Despite that success, though, the ability to help patients in need was lacking. The fund established through the Founder's Ball is helping fill that void.
