This past Saturday, 280 members of the Montgomery County community came together for an unforgettable evening at the 10th annual Dining with the Chefs.
The celebration featured excitement, joy and a delicious four-course meal. The event, which has become a beloved tradition for the Montgomery County Free Clinic, shattered previous fundraising totals by raising an astonishing $71,000.
The amazing chefs from Bon Appetit, Wabash College, and The Juniper Spoon shared inspiring cooking ideas before serving their delicious creations. The full recipe booklet can now be found at tinyurl.com/2mkh7e4s.
The evening’s festivities were highlighted by the much-anticipated award presentations, honoring some of the most dedicated members of our community.
Wendy Pritchett was recognized as the Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year for her relentless dedication to improving the lives of homebound clients. Though Pritchett was not able to attend the event, Executive Director David Johnson recognized Pritchett for her persistence and ongoing care.
Dr. John R. Roberts was honored with the prestigious Montgomery County Leadership Award for his pivotal role in helping to establish the Montgomery County Free Clinic in 2012. Over the past 12 years, he has served tirelessly as the Chief Medical Officer and immediate past board president, embodying the spirit of service and leadership. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our community’s health and well-being.
The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of the Dr. Mary Ludwig Service Award for Lifetime Achievement, the highest honor bestowed upon a volunteer by MCFC. This year, the award was presented to Dr. William Doemel, a revered emeritus professor who began
teaching at Wabash College in 1969. As board president of the Christian Nursing Service (the precursor to MCFC), Doemel foresaw the challenges ahead and, with visionary leadership, helped establish the Montgomery County Free Clinic alongside Roberts.
Doemel’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, having served as the volunteer executive director during the clinic’s formative years. His leadership guided the clinic through numerous challenges, from navigating changes in Indiana Medicaid to expanding services and securing broad community support.
As the evening came to a close, the room buzzed with a shared sense of pride and accomplishment. The extraordinary success of this year’s Dining with the Chefs not only underscores the generosity of the community but also highlights the unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in need. With this strong foundation, the Montgomery County Free Clinic is poised to continue its mission of providing compassionate care and support for many years to come.
