Emergency Department Physician Brent Weber, MD, is grateful for the opportunity to give back by helping people when they need it most.
He is one of thousands to benefit from Sarah Bush Lincoln’s Volunteer Guild Scholarship Program and is appreciative of the support the scholarship provided while he was studying to become a doctor. “Growing up I had eight brothers and sisters so there was no way I was going to college without paying for it myself. Receiving scholarships, like the one from the SBL Guild, definitely helped relieve some of the stress and financial burden that I would have otherwise felt,” he said.
Originally from Teutopolis, Dr. Weber joined the Sarah Bush Lincoln Emergency Department in May. “I’ve been gone for about 15 years for school, medical school, residency and the Air Force, and it’s great to be back, closer to family,” he said. Dr. Weber is pleased to offer the absolute best emergency care at Sarah Bush Lincoln. He is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine.
The SBL Volunteer Guild is honored to award scholarships to area students like Dr. Weber who are pursuing their education in healthcare-related fields. The Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation raises funds to support the Volunteer Guild Scholarship Program through Cheers!, a high-energy cocktail party and dance, now in its 35th year. New this year, the event features the highly acclaimed band “8 South” from Nashville, TN. The public is invited to purchase tickets to the event, which will be from 6 to 11 pm Saturday, March 2, at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham. Tickets are $75 a person.
Cheers! begins with a social hour at 6 pm, followed by heavy hors d’oeuvres and a dance from 7 to 11 pm. Organizers are excited to have the band “8 South” as the entertainment for the first time. The band is known for being able to perform a wide variety of music from Motown to Rock to Hip Hop, Country, Pop, and Jazz.
As part of the night’s activities, participants will have an opportunity to purchase tickets to four taste-testing stations, including wine, microbrew beers, bourbon and cordials. Each ticket purchased during this event, called “Booze and Bling,” represents a chance to win a piece of diamond jewelry from Towne Square Jewelers of Charleston. In addition, a coffee bar with desserts, and a snack-mix and popcorn station will be offered as the evening comes to a close.
The committee is also selling raffle tickets for a chance to win an “Urban Bourbon Trail Trip” as another way to support the Guild Scholarship Program. The package includes a two-night stay at the 4-star, historic Seelbach Hilton Hotel, downtown Louisville, KY; a $100 gas card; a basket of Louisville inspired items; and several additional gifts upon arrival. The winning ticket for the trip valued at more than $800 will be drawn during Cheers! on Saturday, March 2. You need not be present to win.
Since 1979, the Volunteer Guild has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to students in a 9-county area who are pursuing their education in medically-related fields. Qualified areas of study include, but are not limited to nursing, medical technology, radiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, dietetics, medical coding, and speech pathology. The school to be attended must be accredited or recognized as an approved program by the appropriate agencies.
Scholarships are awarded for an academic year and are based on a student’s scholastic achievement, financial need and the availability of funds. This year’s scholarship application deadline is April 15. Selection of recipients is made in early May.
For more information about scholarships or to submit an application, contact Colleen Stoner, director of Volunteer Services at Sarah Bush Lincoln at (217) 258-4180. Scholarship applications can also be completed online by visiting www.sarahbush.org.
For more information about Cheers!, or to purchase a dance or raffle ticket, contact Kim Lockart at (217) 258-2511.