The 37th annual Cheers! Event raised a record-breaking $39,175, nearly doubling net proceeds from previous years. Funds raised support the Sarah Bush Lincoln Volunteer Guild Scholarship Program, which offers assistance to area students pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields.
“We are overwhelmed by the extreme generosity in our community. Having to cancel this year’s primary Scholarship Program fundraiser (due to pandemic restrictions) was disappointing, but the community really came through. We are excited to give these funds to deserving students.” Kim Lockart, SBL Special Events Officer, said.
The Foundation would like to thank everyone who supported this year’s Cheers! Event, including the following sponsors - VIP 1 sponsors: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Reuter; Scott & Samantha Eggleston; Michael & Laura Bollan; the McCord Family Foundation; SC3F Wealth Management; and K Wohltman Construction. VIP 2 sponsors: David & Marci Barth; Roger & Ann Beck; Robert & Barbara Blagg; Jerry & Lana Esker; First Mid Insurance Group; Mary Lou Gaskill; Kathlene Shank Harshman; William Hill; Leon & Karen Huffmaster; J&J Ventures Gaming, LLC; Dr. & Mrs. Matthew Jones; Dr. Gary & Kathy Mikel; and Tony & Debbie Sparks.
Event sponsors included: Armstrong, Grove & Wawrzynek, LLC; Clinical Solutions; Dr. Mary Harvey & Jon Ligon; Dr. Jeni Hoelscher; IBEW Local 146; Mike & Barb Love; Gary & Jeri Morris; Mattoon Area Family YMCA; Richardet Floor Covering; Bill & Kim Uphoff; and Bill & Laura Voyles. VIP 1, VIP 2 and event sponsors all received one-time scholarship naming rights for this year’s sponsorships.
The event also raised funds by selling raffle tickets for a chance to win one of three wonderful prizes. Olivia Fox won a two-night stay at Persimmon Woods Place, donated by Dr. Greg & Debbie Deters, that included a wine basket from Pheasant Hollow Winery, dinner for two from Morgan’s Meat Market, a $100 gas card from Lambo’s BP, a $50 gift certificate from Modern Family Dinners in Effingham, sandwiches from Jersey Mike’s and much more, valued at more than $800. Meghan Wahl won two Eco-drive watches donated by Towne Square Jewelers, Charleston, with a combined value of $1,200. And Brenda Miller won preferential parking at SBL for six months, and a $50 Visa card donated by the Mattoon Lions Club.
Since 1979, the Guild scholarship program has awarded more than $725,000 to provide scholarships to students in a 10-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 Tracy Haddock, Volunteer Services Director 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.