Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 November 1999 — Page 3
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5,1999
THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER
PAGE A3
Cheer Guild celebrates 75 years off dedication, service
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By BARATO BRITT Recorder Correspondent Members and volunteers of the Cheer Guild of Riley Hospital could care less about receiving recognition for their tireless efforts. For them, donating their time and effort to the community’s ailing young people is all the recognition that’s needed. For three-fourths of a century, the hospital ’ s most unique auxiliary has provided Riley’s patients with that type of care that cannot be measured. But their brand of treatment has been just as crucial to the hospital’s patients and families as medication or surgery, This week, the Cheer Guild celebrates its 75th anniversary in grand fashion with a “splendiferous” lineup of outreach activities; however, in keeping with its long mission of service, the anniversary will serve as a continuation of its cause for the entire community. Admittedly, the guild is a bit different than what was created by a group of 12 women in 1924. But through the efforts of all that have undertaken its mission, the Cheer Guild continues to thrive. Today with more than 180 chapters statewide, the guild has grown to be one of Indiana’s best-kept secrets. Ironically, what was once a collection of housewives hoping to reach patients in need of cheering up, the Cheer Guild has been able to successfully alter its base to meet the needs of an evolving society. “We’ve made it through the dedication of local individuals and people throughout the state,” said Rena Brown, a member of the Cheer Guild’s executive committee. “This is just about people who wanted to reach out to ‘This Is Your life’ program The Crossroad* of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, announced the 1999 ‘This Is Your Life’ award winners at the group’s 7th Annual Awards ceremony held at the Madame C.J. Walker Theatre Center. Mayor Stephen Goldsmith was the “This Is Your Like” honoree. Marie Dureson, who sold copies of the Indianapolis Recorder for more than 27 years and who died eartier this year was awarded posthumously the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award. James S. Campbell was given the Spirit of Scouting Award. (Recorder photo by Curtis kw; s-rmi*
the community as well as patients. The individuals of this organization have never really wanted anything other than to reach out.” After 75 years of service, “reaching out” hardly does justice to an entity so intermingled into the overall mission of Riley Hospital. Since it’s founding, the guild has provided those services often taken for granted when caring for hospital patients, particularly children. The guild provides young people with more than 5,000 brand-new toys and gifts each month, engages in special activities for patients and helps bring exuberance back to families in need. Additionally, the Cheer Guild maintains hospital and clinic aquariums, purchases hospital and consumer equipment, even offers scholarships for nursing and allied health and science students. Brown said finding volunteers has become increasingly difficult over the years; however, the mission of the Cheer Guild empowers the entire community to donate time and service to those in need. Today’s guild serves as a perfect example, as citizens from all walks of life have undertaken this unique mission and ran with it. “Often people don’t have a lot of time to handle these things, it’s becoming more difficult because people do not have the time to commit,” Brown said of the simple service the guild provides. “It’s wonderful to have people that are willing to do it. We’ve just really been blessed.” Mike Kraft is one of those individuals the guild has been blessed enough to find. A continuing volunteer, Kraft believes the guild’s mission is just as vital to the well being of Riley patients as most other treatment, which is why it is so important to maintain its momentum
another 75 years. “It’s taken the work of a great number of people to keep this organization viable,” said Kraft. “There’s no other entity in the hospital that undertakes these types of activities. It’s more than just the toys; it’s the personnel.” “The biggest thing is that it takes a desire to want to give, that comes from all walks of life,” Kraft added for potential Cheer Guild volunteers. “We’ve spent the last 75 years in helping others. But this is an organization that, rather than tooting its own horn, does what it does humbly.” After 75 years of service, the time has finally come for the community to toot the horn of the Cheer Guild. Throughout the week, the guild and Riley Hospital will be providing the community ’ s youth with a wealth of activities and will cap off its anniversary with a luncheon on Nov. 10. On Nov. 6, the guild and IMAX Theatre will bring Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and a dessert fantasyland reception to the community at no cost. Tickets for the event are available at the hospital information desk. Currently, the Cheer Guild is aggressively seeking ways to help community citizens become more involved it its activities, either through a donation of time or funds. Brown said as society continues to move at such a fast pace, the guild must also move to make sure its services are still available for another 75 years. “We are looking to be more flexible in our approach,” Brown said. “If we want to continue to grow, that’s the approach we are going to have to use. We want anyone who’s willing to come in and leam more about what we do.”
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