INDIANAPOLIS — Hendricks Regional Health in Danville strives to care for their patients and “Treat People Better.” What many don’t see are the acts of kindness local residents show to others and they got the chance to be recognized last week at the fourth annual Hendricks Regional Health “Treat People Better” Award ceremony at the Indianapolis Colts Complex.

Indianapolis Colts Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tom Zupancic, who served as an emcee of the banquet, explained how the nominated individuals truly exemplify the HRH motto of “treat people better.”

“Everyone here tonight has realized the ultimate success by developing yourself and that giving to others is more important than giving to yourself,” he said. “Coaches always say to give 110 or 150 percent. That extra 10 percent is when you reach out to a person that can’t make it and by reaching back and lifting another person up.”

Zupancic said that giving back is more important than helping yourself.

After a call out for nominations, HRH was inundated with hundreds. A committee affiliated with the hospital eventually narrowed it down to three finalists in each of the five categories: HRH employee, HRH physician, group, adult, and youth.

Winners were Ben Keckler in the HRH employee category, Dr. Stanley Givens in the HRH physician category, the Plainfield High School girls’ soccer team in the group category, Hendricks County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brett Clark in the adult category, and Kelsa Reynolds in the youth category.

The winners were warded a $500 cash prize to go to a charity of their choice.

Finalists in the HRH employee category included Jeannie McKee, Nina Ziegelman, and Bonnie Wildman; in the HRH physician category were Dr. Jeremy Kirk and Daniel Read; in the group category were the Sweet Melissa Foundation and the Tri-West Middle School staff; in the adult category were Matt Bogue and Andrea Flood; and in the youth category were Katie Luecht and Kelsea Moss.

For more information on the awards and the finalists’ stories, visit the website at treatpeoplebetter.com.



SIDEBAR:

About the winners...

n HRH Associate Category — Ben Keckler

As the head of chaplaincy at Hendricks Regional Health, Ben Keckler has helped countless individuals through situations of loss and personal crisis. His understanding spirit, support and dedication to the staff, patients, and visitors at HRH in times of grief or personal torment has not gone unnoticed. This summer he was chosen to serve as an ambassador of peace and hope on a 10-day trip to Rwanda to explore the country and meet people who have experienced unimaginable loss through genocide. The experience provided Keckler with a new perspective on the world and his ability to help others find strength from within to overcome desolation and find inner peace.

n HRH Physician Category — Dr. Stanley Givens

A cancer diagnosis is always a frightening prospect for a patient, but Stanley Givens, MD, radiation oncologist and medical director of the HRH Cancer Center, understands the fear and uses his down-to-earth, compassionate approach to console and empower his patients to take an active role in their care. That attitude extends to his staff at the Cancer Center as well, who know that their knowledge and ideas are appreciated. Givens believes in his work, develops a special relationship with his patients during their cancer journey, and shares his enthusiasm with all when one of his patients beats the dreaded disease.

n Group Category — The Plainfield High School girls’ soccer team

The PHS girls’ soccer team works together on and off the field to achieve goals and treat people better every day. Their top priority is not soccer but achieving good grades and setting an example of excellent behavior in their school. The girls rallied together when tragedy struck — they lost a schoolmate who was also the sister of a player on the boys’ soccer team. The girls’ soccer team held an auction to raise money for the family and the foundation established in the girl’s memory. Another show of solidarity came when the mother of one of the boys’ team members was diagnosed with breast cancer. The girls’ soccer team dyed their hair pink in a show of support for the family. The girls volunteer time during their summer to help with the “Lunch Bunch” program and even provide a snack for their opposing team at the close of each game.

n Individual Adult Category — Sgt. Brett Clark

As a sworn police officer, it is the duty of Hendricks County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brett Clark to protect and serve those who cannot protect themselves. Taking this oath to heart for the past 19 years, Clark has gone beyond the call of duty and worked tirelessly to raise awareness and protect Hendricks County’s citizens from the scourge of domestic violence. It has been his mission to let victims know that they are not alone and there is help available. Clark has developed a close working relationship with Sheltering Wings Center for Women, helping with their activities and fundraising events on his own time. An outstanding role model in the community, he is involved in his church and his children’s school activities. He also works with county high school students on the Youth as Resources partnership board and gives his time to the county schools through various drug prevention and safety awareness programs.

n Individual Youth Category — Kelsa Reynolds

Danville Community High School selected one of its top students, Kelsa Reynolds, to participate in the Youth Leadership Hendricks County program. From there, Reynolds joined another leadership group for up-and-coming community leaders called Youth Encouraging Philanthropy (YEP). She rallied a group of high school students to “buddy up” with junior high students for community outreach work at Ellis Park in Danville. Through their teamwork and collaboration with the Pacers Foundation, the groups were able to put on a community day at the park. Reynolds works as a leader in her school through her involvement in student council and soccer, and she has sparked an interest in community involvement in her peers.

andrea.hirsch@flyergroup.com