Melha Shriners ask community to show support for hospital in need

Date: 6/8/2009

SPRINGFIELD The Melha Shriners are looking to the community to show their support for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. A fundraiser will take place on June 13 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the newly renovated Tekoa Country Club on 459 Russell Rd. in Westfield.

The event will feature music of the '50s from Joe Canata and the Memories. Guests can dance to songs from the past, while helping to raise money for the Shriners Hospital for Children. The Springfield-based hospital could face the possibility of closing, following a Board of Directors vote this fall. A $20 million budget injects money on an annual basis into the Springfield regional market but that money and the unique services the hospital supplies children could cease should the non-profit facility have to close. The one of kind hospital employs 200 personnel and relies on an equal amount of volunteers.

Tekoa Country Club is donating the facility to help the Melha Shriners raise money for the hospital. The Melha Shriners are hoping for a large turnout. "We know that the community is extremely supportive of the hospital," said Al Zippin. "This is the public's chance to help a hospital that is in dire need of money. Every little bit helps."

Tickets can be purchased for $20 each at the Shriners Hospital for Children, the Melha Shriners office and Tekoa Country Club. A cash bar and refreshments will also be available.

Shriners Hospitals for Children, which began operations in 1925, is one of 22 hospitals in a one of a kind international health care system dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. The Springfield location specializes in pediatric orthopedics and the closest Shriners Hospitals for Children to offer the same specialty is in Philadelphia, Pa.

Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment at no charge regardless of financial needs.

For more information please call the Melha Shrine Center at 736-3647.