Zimmer Trauma Office Supports Light The Night Walk
Posted
Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
The buzz of clippers and the sound of cheers filled the Zimmer Trauma office Wednesday as the office became a barber shop for a good cause.
The shaving of Director of Manufacturing Trauma and Instruments Tony Koser's head wrapped up a weeklong fundraising drive in support of the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society scheduled for tonight in Winona Lake.Employees in the office raised about $2,000 in support of the LLS. The money was raised through online fundraising, food sales in the office, etiquette fees, and fees for things that are normally free around the office, like candy from the candy basket, pretzels and wearing jeans on Friday.
Koser was the winner of the office shave-off in which employees donated money toward the co-worker they most wanted to see have his or her head shaved. At the end of the shave-off, the initial winner was able to match the amount donated toward him and pass it on to another worker. By the time it got to him, Koser said he was willing to go under the shears.
Koser offered to donate $10 more per head for those willing to join him to support the LLS. Eleven trauma employees took him up on the offer.
The Light the Night cause hits close to home for the Zimmer Trauma employees. The money they raised will support Light the Night walker Jillian Davies. Davies, 5, the daughter of trauma employee senior brand manager Erik Davies, is currently battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. According to Erik Davies, his daughter is currently in the maintenance part of her treatment for the disease. She takes chemotherapy in daily oral doses, monthly intravenous doses and quarterly intraspinal doses. Davies is expected to finish her treatment in late 2009.
"Zimmer, as a company, has supported this for a long time," said Erik Davies, "but to see the individuals get involved and really go over and above has been really phenomenal."
Max Elliott, son of Matt Elliott, a former employee in the office, also battled ALL. He finished his treatment in March this year. Although Matt Elliott and his family now live in Ohio, fundraising coordinator Rebecca Parrott said, employees in the office still feel a connection to the LLS cause.
"We've always tried to do a special effort," Parrott said, "because it impacts our co-workers."
For more information on tonight's Light the Night Walk, contact Kate Butler at 260-435-2525 or by e-mail at kate.butler@lls.org
