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CHEERS to all of my guests who attended the Larry King Cardiac Foundation benefit I organized at Indiana Tech’s Andorfer Commons. It was my first time organizing such an event, and I’m proud to say that we were able to raise more than $500 for the foundation. My guests and I even got a personal phone call not only from Larry King, but also from his son, Larry King Jr.
If you would like to know more about this organization, go to LKCF.org. It helped me by allowing me to have life-saving heart surgery when I could not pay for it. I urge anyone without health insurance who may need any kind of cardiac procedure and can’t pay for it to find out about this organization. I am alive today because of the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.
JEFFERY A. FISHER Fort Wayne
At this time of year, we would like to take a minute to thank the men and women of public safety who serve the citizens of our communities. While many of us will never have the need for their services, be assured that should the need arise, these men and women will put our safety and that of our loved ones at the forefront of everything else.
A special CHEERS to the law enforcement community who over the years has helped us and our neighborhood through some very rough times. We have seen the participation in Community Oriented Policing skyrocket in the neighborhoods thanks to the commitment of both citizens and police to work together making our city safer. Our police departments have been labeled some of the best in the Midwest, and for good reason. They care about the people they have sworn to protect. Their resolve to fight crime is only pre-empted by their compassion for a child or victim of crime.
Recently, we saw an officer lose his life. Many attended his funeral to show their respect. Unfortunately, he was unable to see their sentiment. Why do we wait until an officer is deceased before we thank him or her for their dedication? These are men and women who, just like us, have children, bills and everyday problems. And like us, they probably think it would be nice to hear “thank you” from those they serve. Although they are held to a higher standard of conduct, make no mistake, they will jump up, without hesitation and put their lives on the line to protect yours. So, if you see an officer or firefighter, say “thanks” – it’ll make their day and yours, too.
LINDA VANDEVEER Fort Wayne
It seems that we may have a problem. You be the judge.
A few years ago, the Law Enforcement/Fire Fighter Memorial started an account with the Fire Police City County Credit Union on North Clinton Street. At the time, manager Nancy Kline welcomed us by saying that we are now part of the credit union family and we can count on it to help us in any way it can.
The Credit Union staff has truly epitomized the meaning of “family.” Not only have they given us support financially, but they have also given us the most precious gift of all: themselves. The staff have donated their time at almost every fire or police event we have held. The most recent event involved 16 hours of cutting letters used for engraving the Firefighter Monument. CHEERS to by Marla Esterline, Artie Strack, Angie Felger, Linda Summers, Laura Stanley and Carla Smeltzley.
If this is family, then we want a double shot of it and some to take home. Oh! By the way, I mentioned a problem. If these great people are family, does that mean we can ask them to cut the grass and rake the leaves, too?
JERRY VANDEVEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LAW ENFORCEMENT/FIRE FIGHTER Fort Wayne
On Veterans Day, we felt pride in the city of Fort Wayne for the recognition of the military. CHEERS especially to Applebee’s for the free meal, although we don’t think the restaurant was prepared for the influx of military in Fort Wayne. The staff tried to keep smiling and do everything possible to make sure the restaurant made good on its offer – and a timely fashion and with respect.
Also, CHEERS to Mike’s Car Wash. The staff are very respectful and give friendly greeting, and the car is shining and clean.
These businesses made my heart feel that true patriotism really is still alive.
GREGORY and TERESA WELSH Fort Wayne
We have just concluded our first Read To Me children’s book drive, which provides new and gently used children’s books to area social services agencies to help support their respective programs for children and families. The greater Fort Wayne community has once again shown its amazing generosity and spirit of commitment to making this area a great place to live, as we have just concluded our drive and have collected more than 30,000 books, which is 200 percent of our goal.
We would like to give CHEERS to the many individual
volunteers
and
donors, as well as businesses and churches for helping us exceed our goal. We would especially like to give CHEERS to the associates of area Walgreen’s stores as well as those of the Allen County Public Library branches for providing space for collection sites. In addition, CHEERS to the Parkview Foundation for providing an excellent facility for storage and to PNC/National City Bank and Allen County United Way for their help as well.
Because of their generosity and thoughtfulness, hundreds if not thousands of children in the northeast Indiana community will benefit from programs provided by various not-for-profit social service agencies that support children’s reading and/or literacy as part of their ongoing services.
KATHY EIKENBERRY
PATRICK WILTSHIRE Co-Chairs Read To Me Program Fort Wayne
CHEERS to ProBowl West for again hosting the Special Olympics Bowling on Nov. 7. Extra CHEERS to Indiana Tech’s baseball and softball teams for helping these awesome athletes have a wonderful day. Thanks to everyone involved. We look forward to this each year.
JULIE BENKENSTEIN Arcola
If you are driving through the West Central Area at night, look south to the sky and see the beautiful restored GE sign shining brightly over the city sky. CHEERS to General Electric for restoring the beautiful landmark to our city.
JOANNE BRUCE Fort Wayne
