The COVID-19 Community Response Fund, created by United Way of Elkhart & LaGrange Counties and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, has received a gift of 10,000 N95 respirator face masks, donated by the Bill and Kristin Fenech Foundation. Bill Fenech is a long-time resident of Elkhart, IN, and the President and founder of Barletta Pontoon Boats.
The protective face masks will be distributed to several area organizations in need including Elkhart General Hospital, Goshen Health, Child and Parent Services, the Marcellus Fire Department, the Cass County Sheriff’s Department and local nursing homes to protect healthcare workers from contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. Demand for the masks is outpacing supply nationwide.
Bill Rieth, President/CEO of United Way of Elkhart & LaGrange Counties, said, “In the midst of extraordinary times, we have exceptional individuals stepping forward to help their community. Bill and Kristin Fenech are two such people. We are very grateful for their generous gift.”
Representatives from both Beacon Health System and Goshen Health indicated that they welcome the gift of masks, which are essential items of personal protective equipment to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
“Kristin and I couldn’t be more pleased to be able to help protect the healthcare workers in our community and the surrounding communities,” stated Bill Fenech. “These heroes are on the front-lines facing this pandemic head-on, day after day - they need our support. It’s the only way we’ll get through this - together.”
