Samaritan's Touch to hold annual benefit dinner

Since it first opened in May 2007, Samaritan's Touch Care Center has provided free medical care, valued at more than $6.5 million, to people who have no health insurance of any kind and limited income.

The need is as great as ever with the high unemployment rate and economic slow down.

"We are certainly not at a loss for patients with the economy," said Executive Director Diana Furr. "We have over 900 people on our waiting list. We are helping all we can."

The Christian humanitarian organization's annual fundraiser will be held Thursday at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant. The funds raised will help the organization continue its efforts.

Samaritan's Touch not only provides free medical visits and treatments, but also free prescription medications.

"We believe if someone could manage somehow to scrape together the money to go see a doctor and they are handed a prescription they can't fill, it's as if they haven't been to the doctor," Furr said.

The organization raises donations to purchase generic medications that are given away to people who are not able to afford them.

For example, Furr said a 52-year-old woman, who had suffered two strokes and had high blood pressure, came to Samaritan's Touch for treatment.

The organization's medical director, Luis Pena, prescribed medication, which was supplied to the woman at no change, that brought her blood pressure down to a normal range within three weeks.

"So this fundraiser ... it's just a way we can bring people together on behalf of these needy people throughout the county that we serve," Furr said.

As a tax exempt charity, Samaritan's Touch depends on many supporters throughout the county to donate their time and talents as volunteers and financial resources to support its ongoing services.

Samaritan's Touch Care Center is holding its second annual "Evening Under the Stars" fundraising event Thursday at Don Jose Mexican Restaurant. Bidding on silent auction items begins at 5 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner at 6 p.m.

Registrations are being sought at $100 per couple or $65 per person.

Silent auction items include a three-night, four-day stay at the Las Casitas Village and Golden Door Spa at El Conquistador Resort and Casino in Puerto Rico and much more.

For ticket and donation information, call Suzanne Comer at 471-1870, Ext. 202.

"We are very grateful for the local community supporting us to help us provide this medical care to people who otherwise would do without," Furr said. "We always need more doctors and medical folks and volunteers of all kinds and funding."

Many individuals and health care facilities are helping Samaritan's Touch, she said.

"We call them God stories about how the Lord is mobilizing this awesome medical care and saving people's lives and improving the quality of life for people who have just gone forever without medical care," Furr said.

Samaritan's Touch Care Center, Inc. is located at 3015 Herring Ave., Sebring.