McDonald Hearing Aid Center’s Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser Robert Bennett with Gift of Hearing Recipient James Laffoon and Joan Smith
Over $100,000 in hearing devices has been awarded by McDonald Hearing Aid Center to deserving local heroes. The 20 recipients were nominated by family members, friends and neighbors because of the tremendous contributions they have made to their communities.
McDonald Hearing Aid Center’s Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser Jesse Warda with Gift of Hearing Recipient Frank Bridges
“Untreated hearing loss is the number one disability in the world,” says McDonald Hearing Aid Center President Mark Moore. “Hearing loss affects everyone, even our heroes; these deserving individuals have a calling to help all of us live a little better every day. In the least, it is our duty to help them hear better so that they may live a little better.”
Thomas J. Murray of Vacaville provides free guitar lessons in his spare time. According to his wife, “He has trouble hearing the melody at certain levels and this just breaks his heart.”
McDonald Hearing Aid Center’s Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser Michele Moreland with Gift of Hearing Recipient Patti Van Der Kemp
Retired teacher Patti Van Der Kamp continues to serve as school volunteer. According to her granddaughter, “She loves working with the kids at school, but it is hard to hear them.”
Navy veteran and Rotary member John Jans of New Valley has spent nearly 50 years improving his community through service projects, tutoring and more. Julie Johnson said, “Mr. Jans does many other things to help…make the Paradise and surrounding communities a better place for all to enjoy.”
McDonald Hearing Aid Center’s Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser Roy Bostick with Gift of Hearing Recipient Michael Summers
Clark H. Kenney Jr. of Antelope has suffered progressive hearing loss since 1977. A Marine veteran and active volunteer, Kenny is known for his kindness and service to others. Beryl Geczi wrote, “He is…a wonderful neighbor; however, it is hard for me to watch him struggle to hear what is being said to him.”
Former Sacramento police officer Michael Summers received national recognition for his work with Project Hope in 1999. He currently volunteers as a Crisis Intervention Team Training Coordinator. However, decades of work-related noise have damaged his ability to hear normally.
McDonald Hearing Aid Center’s Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser Tyler Horton with Gift of Hearing Recipient Richard Rios
Author, artist and retired professor Richard Rios has had an immeasurable impact on his community. Former student Adela M. Nearez wrote, “Throughout the years, I have seen Mr. Rios involved in numerous community activities, such as the arts, theater, education, holiday activities, poem and story readings…and more.” Henrietta Robles wrote, “If he can’t hear, he would be a loss to the community.”
