Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 10/02) - Stanton Regional Hospital Foundation recently honoured seven major donors for a total of $125,700 in contributions, and for the first time, a tireless volunteer for his dedication to the hospital.

Daryl Dolynny, chairman of the foundation and host of the ceremony applauded the donors, calling them pillars and partners of the community because are their dedication.

The contributors receive a permanent symbol on the lobby's wall of recognition as record of their donation. Each symbol represents their level of contribution.

A ptarmigan for $5,000 or more, a loon, for $20,000 or more, a muskox for $50,000 or more, and a star for donations over $100,000.

NorthwesTel received a muskox for their donation of $75,000 over three years.

Sue Glowach, executive director of the foundation, presented a ptarmigan to Joe McCaw Wingfest co-chairs, Tim Sewell and Todd Burlingame for their donation of $14,000 for pediatric monitors.

"Where else can you get a chicken hat that costs $10,000," said Glowach, speaking of an item that was auctioned off at the event.

Bill and Carol Graham were honoured for their $5,000 donation.

"Bill has been treasurer of the foundation for nine years and he wouldn't be able to do it if Carol was not standing beside him," said David Wind, foundation director.

Medic North Emergency Services was thanked for saving the hospital $6,000 by donating operating room lights.

Jim and Bill Kellett of Kellett Communications were honoured for their design, direction, and dismantling of last December's NorthwesTel Festival of Trees.

Office Compliments, a company that holds offices in the same building as the foundation, also donated, not money, but their resources.

"They made their boardroom available to us. They saved us transportation, and meeting expenses," said foundation director Jerome Babyn.

Yellowknife Royal Purple No. 143 was thanked for their $14,700 grant for speech therapy equipment, a birthing bed, and mammography equipment.

"The ladies were active supporters of the hospital even before the foundation came about," said Lynn Cook, of the foundation.

Cappy Elkin, also a foundation director, introduced the first annual Stanton Star Supporter award to Kerry Beauchamp for his outstanding volunteer work.

He was thanked for his relentless contribution to all the fundraising projects the foundation tackles.

Elkin added: "If it wasn't for these volunteers and supporters we would not be able to provide the equipment the hospital so desperately needs."

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Mayor Gord Van Tighem, and Minister of Health and Social Services Michael Miltenberger.