Raising their shovels, trowels and other implements of destruction into the air, the Decatur County Extension Homemakers took to the campus of Decatur County Memorial Hospital to once again plant daffodils for the Hospital Foundation. In a cloud of dust they were soon finished, planting over 300 bulbs in the landscape, all set to bloom next spring and welcome visitors to the community’s health center.
The flowers were part of the Hospital Foundation’s annual Daffodil Campaign, in which generous donors give to the Foundation in memory of individuals, special occasions, extra efforts, or simply as a thank you, and an according number of daffodils are planted in honor of that purpose. Since 2007, over 2,400 daffodils have been planted and decorate the campus each spring. Hospital Foundation Director Bryan Robbins related that over $4,000 was again raised this year, all of which will go toward funding the special equipment and program needs of DCMH. “It’s a great way to honor someone or something while giving back to the community. The blooming daffodils are sentimental reminders as visitors and patients enter our hospital.”
Contributions to the campaign are accepted throughout the year, at the Foundation’s Hospital office or online at www.dcmh.net/Daffodil. The bulbs need to be planted in the fall, so any contributions collected after October will be included in the following year’s order and planting. Those honored may also receive additional recognition through interior plaques and an engraved exterior stone, depending on the contribution level. “It’s an especially unique way to recognize members of our community, because the funds will be staying completely local, to benefit local health.” Speaking on behalf of the Foundation Board, Robbins wished to thank all of this year’s donors, as well as organizations like the Extension Homemakers, stating: “They truly provided the green-thumb for all of this, and I helped by staying out of their way.”
The Hospital Foundation Executive Board includes: President, Susan Burkhart; Vice-President, Daryl Smith; Secretary, Nancy Sheffer; and Treasurer Cris Reynolds. Additional Board members include: Cleo Duncan, George Reiger, Dudley Myers, Lisa Tressler, Joan Eversole, Rheadawn Metz, Dr. Mary McCullough and DCMH CEO Linda Simmons.
In upcoming events, next year’s 8th Annual Gala “Run for the Roses” will be held on Friday, April 17 at Wahill Farms in Batesville, IN. For more information, check out www.dcmh.net/gala or call the Hospital Foundation at 663-1220.
-Greensburg Daily News