The family of Sam and Patty Zeckel awarded $98,104 to four Noblesville-based non-profit agencies, fulfilling the wishes of their late father, who died March 15 at 82. Joined by his sister, Kathy Zeckel-Smith, and daughter, Hunter Zeckel, Jeff Zeckel presented checks for $24,526 each to the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Good Samaritan Network, Humane Society for Hamilton County and Riverview Hospital Foundation.
Jeff said that Sam stipulated in his will that, following his death, the family had to sell his home and its contents within four months and split the proceeds among four local charities. Patty preceded Sam in death on Feb. 1, 2003.
“He chose the Boys & Girls Club, Humane Society and Riverview Foundation. It was up to me to choose the last one. I chose Good Samaritan,” said Jeff. “My father provided the money, the family worked very hard all summer long to achieve his goal. Working tirelessly, we were doing it to help others.”
Jeff said the Boys & Girls Club was particularly dear to his family because his sister, Jennifer, was named the club’s first Girl of the Year and fought for the inclusion of females into the club. Becky Terry of the Boys & Girls Club said the money would be used to fund programs, including the meals and snack packs it provides members.
“We’ll definitely put this money to good use,” Terry said.
Riverview Hospital Foundation Executive Director Trish Oman said the donation would benefit its patients who come in with cardiac issues.
“It can be lifesaving,” she told the family. “It’ll cause a ripple effect for generations to come.”
“Dad was so proud of our community hospital,” said Jeff, adding he and his siblings were all born there.
Jeff joked that his family was one of Schnauzers. When his father was an empty nester, Jeff said his dogs became his “kids” and were his companions for the rest of his life. Rebecca Stephens, executive director of the Humane Society for Hamilton County, said her funds would go into the survivor program, which provides emergency and life-saving care to animals brought to the shelter.
Good Samaritan Director Nancy Chance said the donation is especially important as the six food pantries that will receive the funds are in desperate need this time of year.
“Most of the pantries are struggling to keep food on the shelf in Noblesville,” she said.
Chance also told the Zeckel family how their parents made an impact in her life. When she was a child, Sam saw her bringing food to hobos under a bridge.
“He asked why I was doing that and I told him, ‘because I care.’ He said, ‘keep it up,” said Chance. “I think this vision was far reaching. I thought a lot of your family. They meant a lot to me.”
“Dad saw that people were still hungry in Hamilton County and still needed help,” Jeff added.
