News

Contact: Joan Hermes

STERLING, IL (March 21, 2019) – More than 50 Tree of Life donors were recognized during the March 14 CGH Health Foundation Annual Appeal reception at CGH Medical Center. Youth groups from throughout the Sauk Valley were also recognized for stepping up as the new philanthropists of tomorrow.

Pictured: Prophetstown Lions Club was congratulated for receiving a Pine Cone on the Tree of Life during the March 14 CGH Health Foundation Annual Appeal reception at CGH Medical Center. Pictured left to right: back row: Dr. Paul Steinke, CGH Medical Center President and CEO and CGH Health Foundation Trustee.

Front row: Prophetstown Lions Club Members, Ken Cocking; Scott Wolber, CGH Health Foundation Campaign General Chair and Trustee; Darryl Gibson; Anna Woolums; Rick Woolums. Photo credit: Grot Imaging Studio

Foundation Chair Amy Downs expressed gratitude to the more than 100 contributors and friends present. “What a legacy we are continuing to build because of all of you,” she said. “Our Tree of Life Grove represents thousands of lives impacted. Your continued support is celebrated year in and year out. We are honored to be your chosen charity, grateful for the passion you show toward the wonderful projects you make happen.”

Gift levels highlighted during the ceremony included 1 Stone, ($25,000 or more); 6 Pine Cones ($10,000 to $24,999) and 45 Leaves ($1,000 to $9,999). Individuals, businesses and groups were honored.

CGH Health Foundation Campaign General Chair Scott Wolber announced over $361,000 had been raised toward the $380,000 goal, with more gifts expected. He thanked the many volunteers who were vital to the success of the annual fund drive. Special mention was made of the late Pam Topper, who served as Business Division Chair during the campaign, until her unexpected death last August.

“It was an honor to serve with Pam,” said Mr. Wolber. “She was such an ardent supporter of one of our newer projects – to raise awareness about women and heart disease. She shared her own story of dealing with heart disease during the campaign. We mourn her passing and extend our heartfelt thanks to her family for her efforts in behalf of the Foundation.”

A combined total of $10,666 was raised for the Foundation by the following youth groups: Amboy High School basketball and volleyball teams, Erie-Prophetstown volleyball and football teams, and St. Andrew’s School. Foundation Executive Director Joan Hermes praised the students for working so diligently to benefit their communities by focusing on the needs of others.

During the last 31 years, over $10 million has been donated and invested right back into the community. Under-served children and adults have received free to low cost healthcare services. Wellness education centering on heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and obesity has been a major focus. Scholarships have been awarded to several hundred college-bound students and capital items have been funded.

Tree of Life honorees included: Stone: Angelo’s Pizzerias; Pine Cone: Erie-Prophetstown Volleyball Team, Geraldine Leftwich Memorial, Bruce and Mary Jane Munsell, Don and Maxine Olson, Prophetstown Lions Club, and Jim and Maggie Wike.

Donors receiving a Leaf included: Amboy High School Volleyball Team, Missi Armstrong, Jennifer Behrens, Pam and Bill Bittorf, Lori Cantu, Donna Cook, Cornerstone Credit Union, Dr. Jerald and Sheila Cundiff, Paul Cunniff, Judy Dennis, Theresa Devine, Ben and Emily Durham, Pat Flynn Memorial, Betty Harms, Dr. Rita and John Hart, Daryl and Barb Hook, Nick and Jennifer Lareau, Bill Lilly Memorial, Breck and Sheri Loos, Barb Loy Memorial, Dr. Steven and Deirdre Mackay, Nancy Lou Matthews Memorial, MCR Technologies Group, Estella Metcalfe, Nanette Metzler, Sandra and Marvin Miller, Nichole Mitchem, Tom and Sue Nestor, Jim and Carol Nieman, Jack Oberle, Olson Insurance & Financial Services, Kevin Rogers, Joe and Pat Rosengren, Rotary Club of Walnut, Jennifer and Steven Sheaffer, St. Andrew’s School, Dr. Marc and Lori Stees, Sterling Fire Fighters, Rick and Pam Topper, Beth Vandersnick, VISA, Dr. Heather Wakefield, Stephanie Waller, Richard Weigle, and Pat Zigler.

For more information on how to support the CGH Health Foundation, call Executive Director Joan Hermes at 815/625-0400, ext. 5672 or email joan.hermes@cghmc.com.