The 35th Annual Cheers! event raised more than $18,000 to support the Sarah Bush Lincoln Volunteer Guild Scholarship Program, which offers assistance to area students pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields.
“A less formal, more contemporary dance-party atmosphere makes it especially easy for people to support this great program,” event coordinator Kim Lockart said. “With today’s shortage of rural healthcare providers, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic and professional goals to provide medical care in a rural setting.”
The night’s VIP 1 sponsors included: Dr. Lori Cudone; Drake Excavating & Construction; First Mid Bank & Trust; Markwell Enterprises, LLC; McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Dr. & Mrs. Donald M. Sandercock; KC Summers; and K. Wohltman Construction. VIP 2 sponsors included: Dr. Arnold & Fides Agapito; Jerry & Lana Esker; Mary Lou Gaskill; Jansen's Heating & Air; and Tony & Debbie Sparks. Towne Square Jewelers of Charleston sponsored the “Booze & Bling” event, in which participants purchased tickets for a chance to win a pair of sapphire and blue and white diamond earrings valued at $1,600. Drs. Dominic & Erica Perrino were this year’s lucky winners.
Korrine Hartke of the SBL Bonutti Clinic was the winner of the Urban Bourbon Trail Raffle Package. The package includes a two-night stay at the 4-star, historic Seelbach Hilton Hotel, downtown Louisville, KY; a $100 gas card; a basket of Louisville inspired items; and several additional gifts upon arrival.
Since 1979, the Guild scholarship program has awarded more than $650,000 to provide scholarships to students in a nine-county area who are pursuing their educations in medically related fields. Qualified areas of study include, but are not limited to nursing, family practice, medical technology, radiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, dietetics, medical coding, and speech pathology. The school to be attended must be accredited or recognized as an approved program by appropriate agencies. Scholarships are awarded for an academic year and are based on the student’s scholastic achievement, financial need and the availability of funds.
For more information about the scholarship program, contact Colleen Stoner, director of Volunteer Services at Sarah Bush Lincoln, at 217 258-4180. Scholarship application packets are due April 15 and are available at www.sarahbush.org. For more information about Cheers!, contact Kim Lockart, special events officer in the SBL Health Foundation, 217 258-2511.