RICHLAND TWP — While Donnie Hersh was thrilled to celebrate 30 years as a St. Barnabas resident, those in attendance Friday were eager to celebrate him.

Hersh, 53, enjoyed a tailgate party Friday in the chapel at St. Barnabas Nursing Home. The blue and silver decorations honoring the Dallas Cowboys didn't ruffle one feather, as the residents, staff and dignitaries who attended are aware of Hersh's mischievous dedication to the Texas team, despite his residence in Steelers country.

"Donnie became a Cowboys fan," said master of ceremonies Jim Roddey, former Allegheny County executive. "I believe it is just to irritate everyone."

Hersh moved to St. Barnabas when he was 23 so he could have full-time help with his physical limitations due to cerebral palsy, which has led to respiratory issues that necessitated a permanent tracheotomy.

Roddey, who jokingly calls Hersh "the troublemaker," said all who encounter him are touched by his positive attitude and zest for life, especially in the face of severe physical limitations.

"In spite of his many challenges, he greets everyone with a smile," said Roddey to a grinning guest of honor, who sat reclined in his wheelchair in the front of the room.

"What we mostly love about Donnie is his spirit. I'm so privileged to have been able to meet him and be in his company every day."

The 75 people who attended perused pictures of Donnie with celebrity Debbie Reynolds, who served as St. Barnabas' Founder's Day celebrity two years ago, as well as photos with many others — including the Hooters girls.

Dawn Orbin, a unit clerk on Hersh's floor, said she borrowed a wheelchair accessible van and took her friend to Hooters in Monroeville last year for his birthday.

"He said, 'Before I die, I want to go to Hooters,' and I said, 'Donnie, I'll take you," recalled Orbin, who feeds Hersh his dinner every night. "It was the best thing I ever could have done."

Orbin said the Hooters girls were more than accommodating, making a fuss over Donnie and singing "Happy Birthday" to him. Orbin said she checked with Hersh's doctors, who said he could have up to three beers at the restaurant.

She said her eight years experience with Hersh has given her more than she could ever receive.

"It's his personality for his condition," Orbin said. "He's so happy all the time. If you're having a bad day, you can just look at him and wonder how you could possibly be having a bad day."

Valerie Day Wilden, assistant vice president at St. Barnabas, told the group she was 17 years old when she met Donnie. At the party, she wore a football jersey with "Donnie" on the front and "Hersh, #1" on the back.

Wilden presented Hersh with a gift bag from the Dallas Cowboys and helped him open the various treasures inside. The one that caused Hersh's eyes to widen and mouth to drop open was a personally autographed photo of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones with the inscription, "To Donnie, congratulations on 30 years at St. Barnabas. Jerry Jones."

"Thank you Jerry Jones, wherever you are!" shouted the guest of honor to the delight of those in attendance.

Herb Dankmyer, chairman of the Richland Township board of supervisors, told the group Donnie has been a loyal citizen of that municipality for 30 years as well, and presented Hersh with a proclamation marking Feb. 5 as Donnie Hersh Day in the township.

St. Barnabas administrator Shelley Jenkins presented Hersh with a T-shirt depicting his favorite celebrity, Halle Berry, which was signed by everyone at the party.

"I am thrilled you have reached this milestone, and I say that even though you shout 'Goober!' every time I walk down the hallway," Jenkins said.

She also paid tribute to Hersh's indomitable spirit of cheer and friendship.

"After 30 years, it would be easy for you to be demanding, but you are not," Jenkins said. "You understand the way things work and you're patient, knowing there are others who need help too.

"I wish more people had your outlook because the world would be a better place," Jenkins said.

John Turnbull, a St. Barnabas board member, teased Donnie about his penchant for the Cowboys before presenting him with several of that team's trading cards.

"He doesn't care about the Cowboys, only the cheerleaders," Turnbull said, threatening to have maintenance personnel remove all the Cowboys stickers from Hersh's window.

"No they're not. No way," replied Hersh.

Turnbull then called Hersh's father, Donald Hersh Sr., to the dais. The overwhelmed parent expressed his appreciation for those who care for his son.

"Thank you (St. Barnabas president) William Day and all the people here who spoil my son," said the elder Hersh, who attended the party with Donnie's mother, Sylvia. "He gets spoiled rotten here."

A southwestern-style luncheon followed, including a cart serving beer and wine. Asked if he would partake of a can of beer to commemorate his anniversary, Hersh did not think twice.

"I might have a little one," he said.