LAPORTE | It all started with an approximate $5,000 gift of an emergency cardiac monitor and defibrillator.

Since the La Porte Hospital Foundation's first gift in 1979, the Foundation has funded more than $3.5 million of clinical equipment to La Porte Regional Health System, has distributed more than $600,000 in healthcare scholarships to community members and has built an endowment in excess of $6 million among many other projects.

The La Porte Hospital Foundation celebrated 30 years of caring, giving and growing healthy communities at an event on July 12, with the theme of "Turning Possibilities into Realities."

"Ultimately, the efforts all come back to Foundation supporters throughout the community," Foundation Chairperson Scott Siefker said, "to all individuals and businesses who provide their time and money to the La Porte Hospital Foundation so that we can make a positive impact on the health of our community. To all of you, thank you."

The celebration included dinner and entertainment, provided by Cripple Creek Band and Dr. Groovy and the Soul Surgeons. The event was held at Firefly Farm in LaPorte, a horse farm owned by Foundation board member, John Leinweber.

The Foundation also honored Gene Burrows, recognizing him with an Honorary Life Membership. Burrows has been a member of the Foundation for 28 years. He served on the Board of Directors from 1986 to 1991, serving as Vice Chair in 1988 and Chair in 1989. An active volunteer of many Foundation events, Burrows has participated in all 20 of the annual golf tournaments. Burrows also served on the Lakeland Health Corp. Board and the La Porte Hospital Board. Burrows is active in the La Porte County community as well and received the Jaycee Award for Outstanding Citizen in 1973.

Event sponsors included Clarian Health Systems, Robert J. Hiler Family Foundation, La Porte Radiology, Inc., La Porte Savings Bank, Larson-Danielson Construction Co., Inc., Showmen Supplies, Inc., Tony Mudd, Jennifer Urgonski and Newby Lewis Kaminski and Jones, LLP.

The celebration was planned by a committee chaired by Liz Kaminski and comprised of Foundation friends Joyce Bancroft, Marianne DePersio, Maria Fruth, Jody Haley, John Leinweber, Patricia Luck, Peggy Nelson, Nancy Porter, Linda Satkoski, Scott Siefker, Michele Thompson and Renee Wolf.

"It is an honor to volunteer for an organization like the Foundation," Kaminski said, "which has been quietly serving the La Porte community for the past 30 years. All of the members, volunteers and dedicated staff make events like our 30th anniversary a true celebration."

Established in 1978, the La Porte Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of La Porte Regional Health System, encouraging charitable giving and supporting healthier communities and lifestyles.

For more information, call the La Porte Hospital Foundation at (219) 326-2471 or toll free at (877) 265-4539, or email at laportehospitalfoundation@lph.org.