Close to the Heart Campaign aiming to raise final $75,000

“We’re close. We appreciated last year’s people that jumped on board, and we’re looking for a little more from some of the people that maybe didn’t give last year. With the economy the way it is - and the farming and agriculture not popping like it usually does the gifts have been smaller. But we still respect that. We still really appreciate any type of gift from anybody for us is totally important and it goes towards the bottom line and it helps us get this machine in the hospital as soon as possible.”

The current digital mammography equipment utilized in the Southwest was purchased by the Foundation during an effort a decade ago. However over the past 10 years there have been major advances in medical technology and healthcare equipment.

“We still have a machine that’s working and it’s still doing it’s job fine. What this new machine will be is the new technology,” Dekowny explained.

“Ten years ago, what did your tv look like 10 years ago? What did your cell phone look like? The technology is just so much better, which will help save so many more lives because you’ll be able to read the imagery so much better.”

“For early detection, this has to happen.”

Dekowny added that their 2019 fund-raising efforts were impressive, and that the Close to the Heart campaign was given a significant boost thanks to 31 Hutterian Colonies across the Southwest contributing close to $100,000 for the new equipment.

“It’s amazing,” he said of the total. “The Hutterian Colonies just stepped up. People need to know that.”

The push for the final fundraising amount will be given a boost from a Taste of the Arts event in Shannon on March 28. Details of the major fundraiser are still being finalized, but the event will feature culinary artists preparing appetizers to enjoy during an evening which will also feature the sale of unique artworks and handmade crafts.

“It should be an interesting night. It’s different,” Dekowny admitted of the fundraiser.