NEWS RELEASE

March 1 , 2007

Contact: Ryan Entz, 268-1152

Private health philanthropy to be awarded April 17 at Honors Night 2007, presented by Artisan Surface Systems, a division of Wilson Building Maintenance Inc.

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Wichita, KS- The Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce continues its long tradition of celebrating Wichita’s outstanding citizens, companies and achievements with Honors Night 2007. The 2007 honorees represent those who’ve championed efforts to improve the community.

The Kansas Health Foundation is one of this year’s OVER THE YEARS recipients. This award is given each year to businesses who have exhibited a long-standing performance as good business citizens and major contributors to our area's economic well-being.

The Kansas Health Foundation is a private philanthropic organization created in 1985 and is driven by a mission to “improve the health of all Kansans.” The Foundation focuses its efforts toward four main program areas: children’s health, leadership, public health and policy.

In its philanthropic role, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to take a long-range view of problems and their solutions. Through a proactive, strategic grant making process, the Foundation puts an emphasis on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Grant activities have included statewide public health awareness campaigns such as “Take it Outside,” and “Change Something,” as well as targeted efforts in individual communities through the Kansas Community Leadership Initiative and assisting in Wichita’s own 21st Street development project.

Honors Night 2007 will be held Thursday, April 17 at Beech Activity Center, 9710 E. Central. Tickets are now available and include dinner, award recognition and a reception. The cost is $75 per person or $600 for a table of eight. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30

To help honor the Kansas Health Foundation and other outstanding honorees contact Cindy Reves at 265-7771 or creves@wichitachamber.org.

Requirements for the Over the Years award include: a long-term existence (10 years or more) that has provided employment opportunities for area citizens; outstanding leadership within the business or industry of which they are part; creativity in expanding their base of operations; and consistent support of social, political or cultural activities conducive to Wichita's overall quality of life. 

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Venture Boldly. Such a core belief is what makes the Chamber so pivotal in helping businesses achieve their full potential as we set bold and ambitious platforms in our never-ending pursuit to make our members successful.