FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2007
Contact: Cathleen M. Allen
716-882-1818
cathy@kevinguesthouse.org

BUFFALO, NY -- Kevin Guest House (KGH) recently held its annual Heart Awards Luncheon to honor individuals and corporate sponsors who support and embrace KGH’s mission of providing safe, comfortable and affordable lodging for patients and their families while they are in Buffalo for medical treatment.

Those honored at the luncheon are:
The Heart of Loyalty Award was presented to the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation. The Foundation was honored by KGH for its generosity in granting over $286,000 since 2001 for various projects at Kevin Guest House. These projects included electrical updates, air conditioning installation and the renovations of two of KGH’s bone marrow transplant apartments located adjacent to the main house.

The Heart of Compassion Award was presented to David C. Hohn, M.D., President Emeritus and Executive Director of Health Policy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. During his tenure at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Dr. Hohn implemented a plan for Roswell to become nationally and internationally competitive in cancer science. He also launched a public education campaign about the institute. Dr. Hohn is committed to carrying out the vision of Roswell Park Cancer Institute which is to provide the highest quality, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment in a caring environment.

The Heart of Hearts Award was presented to Barbara Rummel and Sr. Helen O’Hara, GNSH, both dedicated volunteers at KGH. Ms. Rummel has been volunteering her time and talents to KGH for the past 12 years and Sr. O’Hara for the past 14 years. Both women have spent countless hours over their combined 26 years of service doing whatever is asked of them to assist the staff and guests of KGH.

The Heart of Courage Award was presented to D. Bruce and Jean Campbell who have both battled cancer. They were honored because, in the face of adversity, they have shown strength, courage and a determination to remain positive and optimistic. Since 1997, the Campbell’s have made over 20 trips from their home in Painted Post, NY to Buffalo seeking medical treatment at RPCI. Both have kept an upbeat attitude and offered encouragement to KGH guests experiencing similar medical conditions. Fortunately, the last few visits to RPCI have resulted in good news for both Bruce and Jean.

The Kevin Garvey Award was presented to the Winchester Nites Home Bureau. The Nites have been supporting KGH since 1992. The group makes and delivers handmade crafts for every major holiday which are used to adorn guest’s beds or door knobs. They also have donated many items from KGH’s wish list, bags and bags of candy and other thoughtful gifts.

In addition to presenting these awards, the luncheon raised close to $21,000 to support the ongoing mission of Kevin Guest, the nation’s FIRST hospital hospitality house. These funds are used to offset lodging costs, buildings and grounds upkeep, utility costs, and the ongoing expenses associated with operating KGH.

The luncheon was chaired by Elizabeth Lenegan, PhD, Director of Pastoral Care at RPCI and a member of the KGH Board of Directors.

For more information about KGH, which is celebrating 35 years of service during 2007, please call 882-1818.

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