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Creating Goodwill
Restaurant owners donate meals and good will to the community
CROWN POINT- During these tough economic times, it seems that
nearly everyone has had to make a new notch or two in their belts as
they tighten them up. In the face of high rates of unemployment and
numerous economic downturns, two individuals are doing all that they
can to give people in the Northwest Indiana region a little bit more
breathing room, and a little bit more slack in their belts. Owners
of the Crown Point Ponderosa, Gerald and Jimmie Sue Farmer, are
going above and beyond the call of duty to help make a difference in
their community. For over a year the Farmers have been making
donations in the form of free meals, baked goods and monetary gifts
to numerous service organizations and schools in the Northwest
Indiana region, and they are doing it at their own expense.
One of the hospitals to receive these donations was The Methodist
Hospitals. Methodist Hospitals, a safety net hospital, provides
millions of dollars of charity care a year to the Northwest Indiana
community. In addition to the hard work and service provided by the
employees of Methodist, Jimmie Sue has another special connection to
the hospital. Sandra Pikula, Jimmie Sue’s sister, worked for
Methodist for many years. Mrs. Farmer recalls that, “My sister loved
Methodist. She worked very hard and long hours. I knew that she
loved it there and how hard she worked. That’s how I knew that the
rest of the faculty at Methodist were also hard workers and deserved
to be recognized for their service to the community.” Jimmie Sue
went on to say that when she met Ian McFadden, CEO of the Methodist
Hospitals, she could tell from the way that he hugged her that he
was truly appreciative. “He is a good man,” stated Jimmie Sue.
“It is individuals like the Farmers that truly embody the spirit
of giving. Health care is a demanding profession and I know the
employees at Methodist Hospitals truly appreciate the recognition
and kindness from the Farmers. I applaud the efforts and good will
the Farmers are creating within the community and know that they are
making a bigger impact than they realize,” Stated Ian McFadden,
CEO/President, Methodist Hospitals.
Through all of this though, the Farmers remain humble. “I don’t
deserve any of the credit,” stated Mrs. Farmer, “All of the credit
needs to go to God. It was his idea and he gave us the store to
begin with.” Although the Farmers are still feeling the effects of
the economy, they are able to pay their bills and they are making a
huge impact on their community. “It breaks my heart to know that so
many are suffering right now. I love my community and everyone in
it. That’s why I feel like this wasn’t really an option and why cost
does not matter,” stated Jimmie Sue. “It truly makes you feel good
to do good. Words can hardly describe the feeling I get when I know
that I have helped another.”
The Farmer’s Ponderosa is located at 1498 N Main St in Crown
Point Indiana.
For more information or to interview/photograph Methodist
Hospital employees, please contact me, my contact information is
located below.
Amber Raza
Marketing and Corporate Communications
P: 219.886.4474
F: 219.886.4592
E:
araza@methodisthospitals.org
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