North Coast Health Ministry "13th Annual Celebration of Caring" 

Originally Published in Currents, Greater Cleveland's Society Newspaper 9.21.08
All Photos by: Rob Muller, reused here with permission

"We may be rivals but we all come together to support North Coast Health Ministry." That quote by Carol Sterba, St. John West Shore Hospital Vice President, pretty much sums up the incredible love and encouragement felt every moment of the "Celebration of Caring" for the North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM). 

As the presence of executives from St. John West Shore, Fairview, University and Lakewood Hospitals attested, NCHM, a faith-based free clinic, has become a unifying cause to ensure healthcare for low-income, uninsured West Side residents.  The need is great...and growing.  In the past two years, patient visits at NCHM have increased by nearly 40 percent.

This year's fundraiser, held in the spacious atrium at Lakewood Hospital, included presentation of the organization's "2008 Community Champion Award" to Alan and Julie Paulus for their untiring efforts on behalf of NCHM.

The nearly 250 guests were welcomed by Executive Director Lee Elmore and Board of Trustees Chairman Brian King and were given the opportunity to contribute through live and silent auctions. 

Raffle tickets were sold for a Cleveland Browns loge for 12 for the November 23rd game, and for $20, party-goers could purchase a balloon which, when popped could have the number of a bag of goodies, like gift certificates or wine.  The chefs of Lakewood Hospital outdid themselves, gastronomically, by serving up a splendid buffet supper.

All in all, a delightful evening that did a good turn for a group that is truly making a difference in the lives of many.

Story by Linda McMullen
Photographs by Rob Muller