Dear Nobles,
 

Thank You, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who helped make the 2024 Shriners Children’s Ohio Celebration Gala a huge success! When I had this vision over 18 months ago, I did not know what to expect or how it will turn out. When I entered the National Museum of U.S. Air Force that night I knew we had pulled off a magnificent event.

I had a great team who helped take my vision and make it a reality. The base committee members include Bethany Deines, Cambry Gossett, Faith Breeden, Kari Tucker, Pam Bull, Rob Fickert and Rick Snider. We also had support from the marketing team of Mike Caldwell and Jessica Wagner as well as other staff and vendors. Our partners at Dayton Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Air Force Museum added the extra touch to make the event shine!

I also want to extend special gratitude to Imperial Potentate Richard Burke, Chairman of the Board Leslie “Doc” Stewart and their ladies.

We capped the evening with big check presentations in front of John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Air Force One from Al Menah Shriners, Blue Water Shrine Club, Boone County Shrine Club, Jackson Shrine Club, Kerbela Shriners, Miami County Shrine Club, Middletown Shrine Club, Oleika Temple Guard, Tiffin Shrine Club, White County Shrine Club, Yaarab Shriners, and Youngstown Shrine Club. In total, we received more than $500,000 to support our craniofacial, plastics and burn service lines.

The inpatient care unit is now known as the Jursich Care Center to honor the legacy of the generous philanthropists who made the multi-million dollar gift. “This transformational donation celebrates the extraordinary lives of Mr. Robert John Jursich and his beloved wife, Marthe. They were extraordinary philanthropists, whose lifelong passion was to help children,” said Faith Breeden, associate director of philanthropy for Shriners Children’s Ohio. “Their remarkably generous philanthropic spirit and unwavering commitment to children’s healthcare have ensured that future generations will receive the highest quality of care in a nurturing and compassionate environment. Robert Jursich, Jr. spoke on behalf of the family and said he is sure his late father is smiling down. “I am beyond impressed and moved. Just the care that is shown, the professionalism and the results,” he said. “To see procedures on the cutting edge, it is incredible.” Hospital leadership, including members of the Board of Governors, staff and current patient Lucas and his mom, joined the dedication ceremony last month.

Once again staff turned our unit into a Halloween haven with costumes, pumpkins, and candy to bring smiles to patients’ faces.

Lucas, Daniella, Hafsa, and Hunter were just a few of the adorable patients who participated in reverse trick-or-treat before the annual costume contest. Check out the photos below and click here for a recap reel!

Fourteen-year-olds Ty and Colton had the experience of a lifetime while serving as standard bearers at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas. The cleft lip and palate twins represented our hospital while carrying the scores of the competing professional golfers. They also got to meet patients from across the Shriners Children’s system and created lasting memories through unique experiences. Ty and Colton’s parents said the boys were “treated like kings” and had a great time getting players’ autographs and watching them compete.

As part of the Standard Bearer program, each patient is invited to fundraise on behalf of their hospital, and the boys proudly raised nearly $20,000! Thank you to every noble who supported the “Newsome Twosome!”