Cardinal Services hosted an employee appreciation picnic Monday with lunch, games and prizes.

Postponed, due to weather on Friday, the event was in conjunction with Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week, last week.

The event included a pulled pork/hot dog, chip and water lunch with Culver’s custard for dessert. Staff would participate in a number of games to win prizes, and receive a free T-shirt. Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer and Cardinal Services Board Vice Chairman, Nick Deeter, and Jane Wear, president and chief executive officer for Cardinal Services, briefly spoke to those attending the picnic lunch.

Cory Hilgenberg, an employee at Culver’s, scoops out a dip of chocolate custard for guests. Culver’s donated the custard for the event and employs clients from the local center.

“I know firsthand from the contact I have with the clients, all the work that you do how important your jobs are,” stated Thallemer as mayor and local optometrist. “What you do is not glamorous and is difficult … I know you guys have those bright spots every day. Those clients don’t worry about the money, they’re just happy you’re there helping them, supporting them. I’ve seen the work first hand, in both my jobs, that you all do directly and indirectly with your clients and the importance our community places on your work, the support you give industry in this community.”

“I truly, truly, truly, from my heart, I really want you to know how gratified I am at what you do at creating opportunities for those who need that help …. all it takes it a little bit of encouragement … clients blossoms and our community blossoms as a result of it … it’s important to our community, it’s important to me personally.”

Deeter, who will be chairman next year, stated “It’s interesting for me to be part of cardinal. I’m actually a serial entrepreneur, i start businesses and I focus on making money … it’s a real mind set change to be part of a nonprofit organization that does wonderful things for people.’

Deeter’s grandfather, Chub Smith, was a member of the board. His son, Jack, was a part of First Steps Early Program … I’ve grown up with my son Jack in what a service like this can really provide. It’s really enlightening to see all of you here and what all of you put in, in helping so many employees.”

Wear briefly noted the various employment positions and stated “the employees make such a positive impact on the people that we serve and on our community.”

Cardinal Center employs 501 individuals, with 400 of those DSPs. Not only were the DSPs honored, but those who support the work of those professionals.

Employees and support personnel were encouraged to participate in a short video answering the question: “My Cardinal. Why?”