Foundation moving forward with Reese at helm

By Brooke Pankonin
Grant Tribune Sentinel
    Adair Reese of Grant is moving into her third year as Perkins County Health Services Foundation (PCHSF)administrator.
    Established in 1987, the goal of PCHSF is to expand and maintain current health services for the area by recruiting and maintaining needed specialty services, purchasing medical equipment, developing new health programs and sponsoring health scholarships and loans.
    Some of their recent projects have included the $400,000 Helmsley grant that made the CT scanner possible, the specialty clinic renovation and the donor wall.
Recently, a local business donated a new TV to Golden Ours Convalescent Home. Reese said the residents were so excited and have greatly enjoyed and utilized the TV.
“Donations don’t have to be tens of thousands of dollars. Sometimes $100 can make just as big of an impact.”
    Reese, who has always enjoyed volunteering, is thankful she has been able to make a career out of it.
She said she enjoys the grant writing process, as it gives her an opportunity to work individually with the departments in the hospital and learn what they do.
    Earning her Certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Nebraska Omaha this past March, Reese said grant writing fits her competitive nature.
“With the Helmsley grant, we knew out of a seven-state area that only 41 hospitals were going to get funds, so you’re really hoping you’re one of them.”
In 2018 she will be eligible to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE.)
    “It’s nice to be able to make a difference,” she said. “Our community really appreciates this facility. It’s one of those things you hope you don’t have to use, but when you do, you’re really glad it’s there.”
    Lori Day, PCHSF board member, spoke highly of Reese.
    “Adair takes her job very serious. Grant writing can take months to years of preparation. Completion of a grant is certainly no easy task.
“I see time and time again Adair’s determination to her daily job tasks to starting a new grant. When asked, she will comment without thought, ‘I truly love my job as PCHSF administrator,’ for this is what makes Adair so successful as administrator.”
Day encourages community members to visit Reese at her new office located in the hospital. She will gladly answer any questions.
    PCHSF will celebrate 30 years at their gala in December.