Eitels honor McCloud with Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars contribution

Ken and Jackie Eitel present a check to Sandy McCloud and her husband John and daughter Hillary Vaughn (middle), with Foundation Director Brandon Wells and Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars officers Bob Steele, Mark McCammon and Vivian Whitaker also present.

Courtesy photo

Ken and Jackie Eitel recently gave a contribution to the Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars endowment honoring Sandy McCloud for her 48 years of service to Eitel’s and Co. Florist and the communities of Putnam County.

Known as Sam to her Cloverdale friends, McCloud is a 1972 graduate of Cloverdale High School. Upon graduation, she was employed by Ken Eitel Sr. at Eitel’s Flowers in Greencastle.

McCloud filled many roles during her time with the Eitel family. In her last 25 years, she was the design and production coordinator, overseeing all fresh floral purchases, design creation and delivery. She also assisted in the management of day-to-day events, including weddings, births, birthdays and other significant events.

“In addition to her dependability, attention to detail and longevity not seen in the workforce today, Sandy had this ability to create fun activities among the staff,” noted Ken Eitel Jr. “She was always thinking about theme decorations for the store, crafty-fun night and events like a hospital bed race and a float for the Putnam County Fair Parade to build fun and teamwork.”

During her lifetime of dedication to Eitel’s and her family, McCloud -- now retired with her husband John -- worked full time and part time while raising Ryan Cassell and Hilary (Cassell) Vaughn, both graduates of Cloverdale High School, college graduates and parents.

When given an option for her contribution, McCloud commented, “I believe Cloverdale Dollars for Scholars would have helped my children.”

Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars was founded in 1994 and has awarded $470,425 in scholarships to 503 Cloverdale High School graduates.

The organization partners with the Putnam County Community Foundation by endowing its scholarships in one general fund and 16 named funds, which ensures that they will be provided in perpetuity.

To learn more about Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars and see a list of its current scholarships and their recipients, visit www.cloverdale.dollarsforscholars.org.