Several people came together Monday, while practicing social distancing, to celebrate a $15,985 check presentation to Butler Health System made possible by Butler Eagle readers who purchased ribbons as part of the newspaper's #WeGotThisButlerCounty unity campaign this past month. Karen Allen, left front, vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer, accepted the check from Tammy Schuey, general manager of the Butler Eagle. Looking on, from left, are Chris Byers, a registered nurse in the ICU; Kerri Herold, director of respiratory therapy; Kris Bowser, development/events manager for BHS; Carla Goldstrohm, a registered respiratory therapist; Kelly Somerville, nursing director of ICU; and Alice Lunn, circulation director for the Eagle. Also joining the group was Ryan Kirkwood, clinical supervisor for the ICU.

Everything is coming up daisies around Butler County these days, thanks to an effort that raised nearly $16,000 for the purchase of personal protective equipment for Butler Health System, while honoring frontline workers in a show of community support.

Almost four weeks ago, the Butler Eagle kicked off the #WeGotThisButlerCounty Unity Campaign with fundraising ribbons. In just one month, the newspaper sold over 1,500 ribbons to all corners of the county.

“We couldn't have presented this check without the generous and overwhelming support of our readers,” said Tammy Schuey, general manager of the Butler Eagle. “Displaying the ribbon is a sign to those people going to work every day that we are thinking of them and looking forward to the day that we can all be together again,”

On Monday, leadership from the paper presented a $15,985 check to officials and staff outside Butler Memorial Hospital.

“It's been my absolute honor and privilege to work alongside the professionals at the Butler Eagle. Their passion and dedication to keep our community informed during these unprecedented times has made them an invaluable partner,” said BHS spokeswoman Jana Panther. “The ribbon campaign truly demonstrated the heart of the Eagle staff — caring for those who care for us all. It deeply moved me.”

In the days following the Eagle's April 22 launch of its #WeGotThisButlerCounty campaign, hundreds of orders for the bright green ribbons with daisies started pouring into the circulation department. All proceeds from the $10 purchase price for the specially-designed bows were donated to Butler Health System Foundation.

“It's what our hometown is all about,” said frontline nurse Chris Byers, a registered nurse in the hospital's 7 Tower ICU.

His co-worker, Kelly Somerville, couldn't agree more. The nursing director of the 7 Tower ICU said her mom bought 10 ribbons to give to her and her siblings. She called the outpouring of community support for the regional health care system these last two months both amazing and exceptional.

“The support the hospital has received from the county has been so heartwarming,” said Karen Allen, vice-president of patient care and chief nursing officer for BHS.

Like Somerville's mom, several people purchased more than one bow in an effort to support the cause. In fact, circulation director Alice Lunn even shared the story of Barb Lehman, who bought 40 bows to the tune of a $400 donation to give away to friends, family and neighbors.

“The generosity of everyone in the community is just amazing,” Lunn said, thanking all of the volunteers who helped promote, make and deliver the ribbons to Eagle readers.