The brilliant blue sky, the excitement in the air, and the people – it was the people who made the day so special. Cardinal was crowded with friends, employees, neighbors, family members, dignitaries, supporters, community members and, most important of all, the people we serve. Everything combined to make September 13, 2024 a day that we will always remember.
Speakers
Before cutting the ribbon, our speakers thanked donors, employees and volunteers. They thanked those who performed the work and those who served on committees – there are so many people to thank! And they talked about what the day meant to them, stirring more than a few tears.
A highlight was when Executive Director Vickie Lootens took to the podium and told the crowd that “In three days it will be exactly 70 years since a group of families came together and formed what would become Cardinal Services. And look at us today.” As she thanked donors to the Ability Campaign, she concluded by calling Mark Warren to the podium. “Mark has been in our services for many years. His family is one of our founding families, and Mark was the first person to donate to the capital campaign. Mark will you stand with me as we cut the ribbon?”
Watch it happen! (Be sure the sound is up to get the full effect!)
Tours
Guests walked freely around the building, greeted throughout by participants, staff and volunteers who explained how each area is used. Some rooms featured intriguing activities. In the S.T.E.M. Club room, for example, participants were dissecting a small shark. In the Maple Leaf Farms Culinary Club, a volunteer from Maple Leaf was teaching participants to make duck wontons which they handed out to guests. All agreed they were delicious!
There’s much more!
TOUR – There’s so much more to see! We invite you to come in for a tour to explore for yourself. Contact Kyrié Maierle atkyrie.maierle@cardinalservices.org or by calling her at 574.371.1357 to plan your tour.
VOLUNTEER – Maybe you can teach a 20 minute chair yoga class in Fitness Club, or lead a small group in Culinary Club as you show them how to make a favorite dish. Perhaps gardening is your thing – we have a Garden Club too!
Whatever your passion, we would love for you to share it with us! A long-term commitment is not required: come in once and see what you think! To learn more, contact Michelle Boxell at michelle.boxell@cardinalservices.org or call her at 574.371.1387.