Women lauded for service, rewarded for effort at Soroptimists Spring Fling in Butler County
PENN TWP — The theme of Soroptimist International of Butler County’s Spring Fling on Saturday, April 20, “Women Wear Many Hats,” was proven by the list of those who were recognized at the event.
Lynn McKinnis, winner of the Community Ruby Award, is a physical therapist at Concordia Visiting Nurses who took on the Herculean task of coordinating Butler’s first Remote Area Medical clinic, which was held in November at Butler Intermediate High School.
The RAM clinic saw 330 uninsured and underinsured residents receive medical, dental and vision care over the course of three days.
Those patients, many of whom work full time but cannot afford co-pays and other fees required by their health insurances, received $105,000 worth of services during the clinic.
McKinnis recalled how she visited every organization, group and large business in Butler County before the clinic to give a presentation she hoped would secure donations and volunteers.
“These talks kind of felt like a love letter to our hometown,” McKinnis said.
She said the love letter was returned when hundreds of volunteers responded to prepare meals for the doctors, nurses, aides, medical assistants, dentists, dental assistants, optometrists and others who worked the event for free.
McKinnis said hotels and motels donated rooms for the RAM staff who brought the clinic to town, and food, extra tables, and anything else she needed for the clinic was cheerfully donated by the benevolent residents of the county who believed in her project.
“Butler really owned this clinic,” McKinnis said. “RAM headquarters said we knocked it out of the park.”
She thanked her husband, Dave, her two children, SaraBeth Swain, who was her partner in coordinating the clinic, the Concordia Foundation for their generous donation and others.
McKinnis emphasized she is particularly honored to receive the award from Soroptimists International because its members serve without political affiliation and welcome all religions into their group.
“That’s a courageous stance in these strange times,” she said.
The Soroptimist Club Ruby Award was conferred on a stunned Barbara “B.J.” Osche as she watched the Spring Fling she helped coordinate with her “Soroptimist sisters” play out.
Members of the club vote secretly on the Club Ruby Award, and the member with the most votes is surprised at the Spring Fling.
Osche received a floral bouquet, inscribed plate and certificate for her unrelenting energy in leading or helping with so many club projects.
“I really appreciate it,” she said after collecting her award. “A lot of people do a lot for the organization, so to be recognized is a great honor.”
Karlyn Kanuckel, the winner of the Live Your Dream scholarship, just completed the first year of a two-year program at the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, works full time as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office, is the sole caregiver for her young son, and dreams of working as a professional in the mental health field someday.
“Soroptimist International of Butler County is proud to award a $1,500 scholarship to Karlyn, and we wish her the best as she works to achieve her goals,” Soroptimist Lisa Rosenbauer said.
Kanuckel shared her dream of becoming a nurse and that she just finish finals after her first year of school.
“I’m so honored,” she said.
Ashley Butler, who received a $1,000 Live Your Dream scholarship at the event, left an abusive situation with her child and is working toward earning an associate degree in medical coding.
She has a 4.0 GPA and made the president’s list at Herzing University. She plans to attain her master’s degree in the future.
“It’s a huge honor,” Butler said of the scholarship. “A huge thanks to my mom and stepdad. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
