From Putnamville to Henryville: Efforts net $2,010

Saturday, March 24, 2012
Waiting to buy baked goods to benefit tornado victims in southern Indiana are (from left) Putnamville Correctional Facility employees Barbara Oliver, Tony Keith, Jenny Alex, Jan Wolfe, Cara Rush, Beckie Bennett, Linda Yocom and Amy Wilson. Selling the goodies are Dean Treash and Lynn Kortum.

PUTNAMVILLE -- The Putnamville Correctional Facility raised $2,010 in donations for Indiana Department of Correction staff in Henryville, who were tornado victims.

"I am proud of the initiative taken by staff and the enthusiasm exhibited to aid fellow co-workers," PCF Superintendent Stanley Knight said. "Thank you to all that worked and generously donated to such a worthy cause."

Over a period of four days, prison employees raised money to donate to the tornado victims by hosting fundraisers.

Sponsored by the Employee Recognition Committee, a two-day bake sale was organized by accountant Lynn Kortum. When it was announced the bake sale was open for business, staff lined up to purchase sugar cream pies, cookies, cakes, brownies and a variety of other goodies.

"Everyone has a sweet tooth and we had something for everyone," Kortum said. "We made $610 for the Henryville fund."

The following week, a two-day luncheon fundraiser was hosted by the Ivy Tech Culinary Arts class.

Menu selections included lasagna, beef manhattan, salad and a choice of dessert. The meals and desserts generated $650 in donations in a true win-win situation.

Culinary arts instructor Penny Clevenger told the staff, "We're always happy to help. It gives the students get a chance to do something that benefits others as well as additional practice in menu and food preparation and service."

Meanwhile, the Facility Community Service Fund also donated $750, bringing the grand total to $2,010.

"It's easy to help someone when put in the right perspective," Kortum said. "It could have been me and my family."

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