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“We were trying to bring around the Schuster Heart Hospital at the time and cardiac services were really important to us and that’s what we did,” she continued. “Linda and a staff member single-handedly started this and she has been involved for 30 years.”
The funds raised by the concert and gala have gone toward patient care, surgical equipment and employee education.
“The money has gone to very direct needs,” Barcus said. “It directly impacts volunteers and patients and that’s why it’s so important to us. Heart to Heart is really a celebration of what we’re doing it for. We celebrate with our caregivers, the nurses, doctors and the many people who touch our patients. We celebrate with our volunteers, who help us raise money all year long.”
A portion of the program will also spotlight several patients who received life-saving care through work of Kettering Health Network.
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“We have so many grateful patients and we tell some of their stories,” Barcus said. “This year we’re celebrating four specific grateful patients who wouldn’t be here if it had not been for the folks at Kettering. One of things I loved last year was the surprise on the faces of concert ticket holders going, ‘Wow, this is about something larger than just tickets. I am a part of something.’
“It was fun,” she added. “I was dancing in the aisles with people who came to see the Commodores and left being somebody that helps heart patients. It’s larger than just the concert, it’s also a celebration of life. I’m looking forward to celebrating 30 years of helping heart patients and the lives we touch every day at the Schuster Heart Hospital, Kettering Health Network and Kettering Medical Center.”
HOW TO GO
What: Kettering Medical Center Foundation's 30th annual Heart to Heart gala and concert featuring the Beach Boys
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19
Cost: $53-$93
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com
Artist info: www.thebeachboys.com
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