Oaklawn holds annual spaghetti supper as a 'thank you' to supporters

MARSHALL – More than 200 area residents enjoyed good food and entertainment in the Marshall High School cafeteria Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, as Oaklawn Hospital held its annual spaghetti supper.

“This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone who has continued to help Oaklawn do its work over the past year,” said Oaklawn Executive Director of Development Mike Beck. “We couldn’t provide the kind of services we give to our patients without the generosity of all these wonderful people.”

The annual event has become a traditional way of honoring the hundreds of volunteers and financial supporters who have made Oaklawn able to reach beyond the city limits of Marshall and touch the lives of many other regional communities, Beck said.

Guests of all ages joined the fun in the cafeteria as a varied meal of pasta and salad was served by Oaklawn Hospital’s Dietary Department.

Across the room, representatives of Albion-based Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum offered several food-oriented activities and games geared to young people.

“We couldn’t be happier with the hospital’s support for us, and we hope to continue that relationship,” said Audrey Dean, executive director of the museum, which in November will launch an interactive exhibit sponsored by Oaklawn.

Other special events featured during the evening included blood-pressure checks, live keyboard music by Marshall resident Tom Whitesell and creative entertainment by Kalamazoo-based balloon artist and juggler Preston “Scoop” Eakins.