DONATIONS GIVEN TO ISLAND MEMORIAL MEDICAL FUND, INC.

-Washington Island, Wisconsin

Several articles in the Island Observer and letters soliciting island organizations have drawn a welcomed response in donation dollars for the Island Memorial Medical Fund.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 Washington Island Lions Club representatives presented two checks to Island Memorial Medical Fund treasurer Leon Shellswick.  In what might be considered a "cornerstone" donation, one check presented included $15,000 to help remodel Dr. Wilson's dental office, and a second check for $2000 will be used for Dr. Filar's eye care office.  Both of these providers have an island practice within the Island Community Center.  Dr. Wilson travels from Sister Bay, and Dr. Filar also has a Sturgeon Bay practice.

The Island Lions were but one of several organizations to respond to the announcement for assistance.  The American Legion Post, the Island Womens Club, the Detroit Harbor Ladies Aid Society, and many individuals also donated toward the dentist office remodeling project and island eye care.   All gifts, whether large or small, are appreciated for their contribution toward the betterment of island health care.  

Island Lion Joel Gunnlaugsson and Lion President Al Stelter present Island Memorial Medical Fund Treasurer Leon Shellswick with a donation as Dr. Tom Wilson (right) looks on.

Joel Gunnlaugsson, who is currently the Lions Club Secretary-Treasurer, recalled conversations he and other Lions had several months ago with Henry Nelson, a longtime Club member who for many years held the post of Treasurer.  Henry had expressed his wish that the Lions consider the Island Memorial Medical Fund project.  Following Henry's passing in the early fall of this year, the Lions Board of Directors, including Will Herschberger, Gunnlaugsson and Stelter, honored Henry's wishes by designating a sum toward island health care.

The Island Lions have undertaken many projects over the years, significant fundraisers which enable them to return dollars to community improvements.  Public support for the various Lions Club projects is, therefore, greatly appreciated by the Lions members.

Among the more visible of the ongoing activities and projects taken on by the Island Lions Club are these:  the annual Fly-In Fishboil at the airport;  Island Fair and Parade;  rental and set-up of Club-owned tents for public and private events; the recycling of aluminum cans at the Island Landfill;  improved School House Beach public facilities;  the Mid-Winter Festival and Fish Derby; and ongoing ball park improvements such as new bleachers and the establishment of a little league field.

While it appears the immediate dental and eye care fund-raising goals are now much closer to being met, the Island Memorial Medical Fund is an ongoing entity.  The Fund's ability to help underwrite island health care improvements exists entirely through annual donations and gifts, and continued support is required.

Inquiries or gifts may be made by mail to:

    Island Memorial Medical Fund, Inc.
   Leon Shellswick, Treas.
   581 Silver Birch Lane, Washington Island, 54246.

   -  Dick Purinton