Yesterday's Portage Rotary Club luncheon included a presentation from the Portage and District General Hospital Foundation, with an outline of all the great things taking place. Chair Dale Lyle says 2017's a special year.

"The Hospital Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year," says Lyle. "We've got kind of a push on this year for raising the profile of the hospital foundation. We have a number of events that we're planning. One taking place right now is a large lottery draw with the main prize of $100,000. The early bird draw takes place at our annual barbecue on May 26th. We're working to provide some of the healthcare equipment and facilities that wouldn't normally be provided otherwise."

Lyle adds the proceeds of the lottery go toward the proposed helicopter landing area.

Executive director Erin Miller also spoke, and says she explained how the foundation re-branded, reflected and engaged in social media, adding how they provided Rotarians with a great outline of some of the things the foundation provided for the hospital. They include items for the critical care area, renovation to chemotherapy, and ultra-sound machines. She also explained how they acquired a motorized tractor that kids can drive on their way to surgery, replacing the stretcher. She notes this has drastically changed the way kids feel about surgery, noting they're no longer afraid after driving the machine, and the parents are far more relaxed after having watched the kids drive.