{"id":2128,"date":"2019-04-11T09:08:46","date_gmt":"2019-04-11T13:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rialzo.meridianhs.org\/2022\/?p=2128"},"modified":"2019-04-12T10:48:50","modified_gmt":"2019-04-12T14:48:50","slug":"meridian-recognizes-2019-spirit-of-meridian-recipients-through-a-decade-of-philanthropy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rialzo.meridianhs.org\/2022\/blog\/2019\/04\/meridian-recognizes-2019-spirit-of-meridian-recipients-through-a-decade-of-philanthropy\/","title":{"rendered":"Meridian Recognizes 2019 Spirit of Meridian Recipients Through a Decade of Philanthropy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Philanthropic endeavors have leaders who believe in the cause and champion for it! For a decade, Charlie Sursa and Fred Reese<\/strong> have been particularly instrumental in Meridian\u2019s philanthropic efforts and are being recognized as recipients of Meridian\u2019s 2019 Spirit of Meridian Award.<\/p>\n

Philanthropy means the love of humanity\u2014it is the pulse of not-for-profit organizations such as Meridian Health Services. Through the passion and dedication of Sursa, Reese and Meridian\u2019s board and staff, Meridian has grown and expanded its services to communities offering \u201cwhole-person\u201d healthcare through the integration of physical, behavioral and social services.<\/p>\n

Charlie Sursa<\/h3>\n

\"\"Charlie Sursa and his family are known for a legacy of philanthropy which helped establish a culture of giving in the community.\u00a0 Sursa has selflessly given his time, talent and treasure to many organizations including serving on boards for the Indiana Youth Institute, Ball State University Foundation, Community Foundation, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, President of the local Rotary Club, and many others.\u00a0 In addition, Sursa has been on the Meridian Board of Directors and committees for over 15 years. He was instrumental in leading Meridian\u2019s philanthropic initiatives with the creation of Meridian\u2019s Fund Development Council. He led Meridian\u2019s efforts to help create a culture of giving. \u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for Charlie, Rialzo would not be here. He was the one who said we will never know if folks will donate unless we ask. And he was a pioneer in the support of Rialzo through his personal and corporate giving,\u201d said Hank Milius, President\/CEO, Meridian Health Services.<\/p>\n

Fred Reese<\/h3>\n

\"\"Fred Reese\u2019s history in philanthropy led him to be known as the heart and mind of Meridian\u2019s charity benefit gala, Rialzo. Reese\u2019s dedication and passion brought Rialzo to life ten years ago.\u00a0He has impressed people each and every year with beautiful decorations and astonishing themes making Rialzo the area\u2019s largest charity gala while providing an incredible experience raising money for people in need. The owner of Willowbrook Interiors and NV Design, Reese\u2019s professional expertise in interior design lends to his elaborate d\u00e9cor, keen execution of details, and his relationships within the community to help connect people to Rialzo and Meridian.<\/p>\n

His collaboration and leadership with the arts community has made Rialzo an experience like no other with full theatrical performances and eventful productions at every Rialzo event.\u00a0 His time, talent and energy make Meridian’s charity gala and other annual events possible, including Holidays at Gresham.\u00a0 \u201cFred has a passion for the mission of Meridian\u2019s programs and services, and generously invests 400+ hours of his time each year to Rialzo alone in planning and execution,\u201d said Hank Milius. \u00a0Reese has orchestrated ten years of transforming ideas and bringing them to life for thousands of attendees to experience Meridian\u2019s \u201cpurpose with a party.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one organization can be all things to all people and Rialzo is an example of exceptional collaboration,\u201d said Milius. Rialzo is a true community collaboration with many organizations supporting Meridian including partnerships with businesses, corporations and the local arts community\u2014Muncie Civic Theatre, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, and the Muncie Symphony Orchestra who offer performances throughout the event.<\/p>\n

Since its inception, Rialzo has raised nearly $2.5 million in funds through donations, sponsorships, and sales resulting in Meridian\u2019s ability to offer the following:<\/p>\n