Published: July 31, 2008 08:34 am         

Crossroads Hospital to hold benefit dinner for Sarah’s Kids

By VANESSA WELCH

vanessa.welch@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The staff of Crossroads Community Hospital continues to care for one of its own, with a benefit dinner scheduled for the children of the late Sarah Rollinson.

Rollinson, a former CCH employee and avid golfer, lost her life in a house fire on July 3. Her children also lost all of their possessions in the fire. Rollinson’s mother, Sandi, is employed as a registered nurse at the hospital.

Crossroads dietitian Julia Mowery said, “When a tragedy like this occurs, it affects everyone because it could happen to anyone. We are using our talents to hopefully raise some funds for the needs of the children.”

The CCH staff of nutrition services, which is sponsoring the benefit, is preparing a homemade meal consisting of baked mostaccioli, salad, garlic bread and dessert to be served from 4 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the hospital. People who attend may either eat in the CCH cafeteria or have their meals to go.

In addition to Sarah Rollinson, Vernon “Juggy” Cutt lost his life in the fire, leaving behind a child as well.

Angela Schrum, CCH volunteer coordinator, said the hospital employees are working to provide an opportunity for the community to come together to help someone in need.

“We’re all one community which is one of the great things about Mt. Vernon and Jefferson County,” Schrum said. “Two of the children lost their mother and one lost their father. There’s nothing we can do to bring them back but we can help the children with security and saving for future education — things their parents would have made sure they had.”

Previous fund-raisers, including a bake sale and a rummage sale hosted by the CCH business office on July 18, have been successful in raising more than $2,000 for Rollinson’s children. Many community members including CCH employees, hospital volunteers and local media donated time, sale items and money, according to Schrum. A wine basket and game basket were also raffled off. The rummage sale raised $1,000 toward helping the children.

Schrum stated that Crossroads employees from other departments have volunteered to work with nutrition services to box up the meals and help serve, “so it will be a joint effort of the Crossroads family.”

Meals will cost $7.50 per person, and orders can be placed in advance by calling 241-8528.

Anyone who would like to make donations to the children can also make checks payable to the CCH Auxiliary which is handling donations until they are given to the family.

Additional information is available by contacting Mowery at 241-8528.

     

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