Friends of Wilson Reception
The Friends of Wilson Reception, first held in 2004, is an expression of thanks to those in the community who have been so supportive of Wilson Memorial Hospital.
At the initial event it was announced that the Wilson Society was being established to recognize those who have chosen to include Wilson Memorial Hospital in their estate plans. At subsequent receptions, new members to the Wilson Society are inducted and receive an engraved token of appreciation.
This year’s affair will was held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at The Shelby Oaks Golf Club and offers cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres to our guests from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Induction of Wilson Society Member and testimonials will begin at 6:00 p.m. 
Wilson Society members were announced and extended appreciation during the eighth annual Friends of Wilson reception held Thursday evening, May 5 at Shelby Oaks. The event was hosted by the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation and attendees included those who have given a substantial donation to the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation.
The event is held each year as an opportunity to thank traditional donors as well as formally recognize members of the Wilson Society. To become a member of the Wilson Society, couples and individuals declare their intention to include Wilson Memorial Hospital in their estate plans.
This year’s reception included a special beer tasting allowing guests the opportunity to taste a variety of different beers along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres.
Bonnie Faulkner, executive director of the Wilson Memorial Foundation, welcomed guests to the event. “The Foundation has one single purpose – to provide financial assistance to Wilson Memorial Hospital. This financial assistance helps to ensure that the hospital continues to achieve its mission of quality patient care. Each of you is an important part of the future of Wilson Memorial. Through your continued generosity, we will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Faulkner next introduced Tom Boecker, president and CEO of Wilson Memorial, who provided the audience with an update on Wilson Memorial’s physician recruiting efforts stating that, “Dr. Courtney Slonkosky has joined our Wilson Care OB/GYN practice; a full-time urologist, Dr. Francis Ogbolu, also joined our staff. Doctors Eugene Chio and Garth Essig joined Wilson and are here on a part-time basis from Ohio State in conjunction with Doctors Vyas and Welsh to augment our current ENT service. Orthopedics has also added two additional physicians: Dr. Chad Weber – general orthopedic surgeon and Dr. Jeff Rogers – a pain management specialist.” Boecker concluded his remarks, “As I have stated many times before, every successful non-profit institution needs to have a successful Foundation. We will eventually need the earnings of the Foundation’s general endowment funds to maintain the level of care and service we all expect.”
Wilson Society members in attendance included: Walt and Carol Bennett, Dan Chamberlin, Ethel Estep, Doug and Phyllis Evans, Harry and Bonnie Faulkner, Don and Lois Fogt, Lola Heintz, Rudy Keister, Greg and Deanna Kindell, Patrick and Carol Milligan, Lisa O’Connor, Tom and Sandy Shoemaker, and Clara Wingfield.
Also, recognized at the event were members of the Hospital Board and Foundation Board including: Stan Crosley, Bruce Dickman, Mike Dodds, Jerry Doerger, John Dunlap, Mick Given, Tom Milligan, David Monnier, Ken Monnier, Dale Peterson, Denny Sollmann, Rose Swiger, Tonya Thieman, and newly elected member, Bob Wheeler.
Following Boecker’s presentation, Ken Monnier, foundation board chair stated, “You earlier met the outstanding community volunteers who serve on the foundation and hospital boards at Wilson. Both Boards work closely with Tom, Bonnie, and the entire Wilson team to assure sound fiscal management of our charitable and other assets, the ongoing need for improvements to equipment and facilities to support our skilled and caring medical team. Unfortunately, we have all seen the effects of the floods, storms and wildfires throughout the United States and the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. These disastrous events have brought to the forefront the importance of having readily accessible healthcare available when it is needed. We are all very fortunate to have Wilson Memorial in our own backyard.”
Next, Monnier introduced the 2011 members of the Wilson Society: Joan M. Boltz, Wilbur D. and Ethel M. Estep, and Patrick H. and Carol B. Milligan. Two testimonials were offered by the inductees.
First, Estep provided a brief testimonial regarding the relationship she and her husband had with Wilson Memorial stating, “When we first came to Sidney in 1959, we were used to larger hospitals. We soon found that Wilson was as caring as any of the larger hospitals had been. When it came time to make our wills, we both thought of the Foundation in our planning to help others with future needs.”
Continuing with testimonials, Patrick Milligan said, “I am older than Wilson Memorial and had to go to Bellefontaine to be born. At four years of age, little Patrick was run over by a car and taken to Wilson for care. My dad served on the Hospital board as did I. Wilson Memorial is a great asset to the community, is a good hospital and certainly merits our support.”
Since the Wilson Society was established eight years ago 63 members have named Wilson Memorial in their estate plans as a beneficiary for the healthcare needs of future generations in Shelby County.
The Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation exists solely to contribute to the financial support and betterment of Wilson Memorial Hospital. In doing so, the Foundation assists in maintaining and enhancing patient care services by providing funding for the purchase of essential technology and enhancing services. For more information about giving to the Wilson Memorial Hospital Foundation, please call Bonnie Faulkner at (937) 498-5575.
Rebecca Anderson | Anonymous (4) |
William T. Amos | Raeburn E. Barnes |
For more information please contact Deanna Kindell, Foundation Coordinator at dkkindell@wilsonhospital.com or (937) 498-5540.