Employees of St. Luke Hospital in Marion raised more than $108,000 from among themselves during November to help fund a hospital expansion project.
Nearly 95 percent of all employees donated money during a pledge drive run by members of the Employee Development Council.
The EDC was comprised of 15 SLH employees who helped spread word of the campaign throughout the hospital. 
This group set a goal to raise $100,000 toward renovations and remodeling. EDC members provided information about the project and how employees could help make it a reality.
Cheryl Connell, EDC co-chair with Becky Hulett, an SLH ward clerk, said she was excited with the outcome of the drive.
?I can tell you from personal experience that St. Luke rocks,? Connell said. ?The staff has taken care of both me and my husband, and we have been in very capable hands with better care than anyone can get out of town.
?With the great employee response to our fundraising efforts, it?s easy to tell that the staff cares about where we work.?
Jeremy Armstrong, chief executive officer, echoed Connell?s statements. At an employee celebration of the fundraising achievement, Armstrong said, ?You guys are the ones who make this hospital work. You are the heart and soul of this place.?
Janet Herzet, Family Gifts Division chair, said she is pleased with how the campaign is progressing.
?The money raised by St. Luke employees is a huge statement to residents of Marion and the surrounding areas,? Herzet said. ?I am proud to be part of such a wonderful staff.?
In addition to Connell and Hulett, members of the EDC are Denise Crabb, Mike Norris, Janet Bowers, Sharon Ewing, Sharon Zogelman, J.R. Ewing, Jo Hett, James Griffitts, Karon Hess, Mary Raleigh, Machell Ratzloff, Brenda Rhodes and Mary Harrison.
The project
The money raised by employees is one of the first steps of a fundraising campaign to help offset the cost of the $6 million expansion project.
St. Luke is paying for the expansion with revenue bonds, which are secured and paid for with future hospital revenues, not a new tax levied on tax payers of Hospital District No. 1.
Armstrong is leading weekly informational meetings to explain the building project, trends in local and national healthcare delivery, and a comprehensive overview of St. Luke Hospital.
These meetings are in the St. Luke Clinic basement. Lunch is provided for anyone interested in attending. To attend the luncheon, first notify the St. Luke Hospital Foundation office at 620-382-3115, or stop by the building, which is located at 500 E. Main Street, Marion.
If you cannot attend a luncheon but would like more information, contact the office.
