Nonprofit organizations depend upon charitable contributions for survival. Some people express their goodwill monetarily. Others choose to donate their time and talents to the organization they wish to support. These volunteers are essential to a nonprofit’s vitality and success.
The Deafness Research Foundation (DRF) is no exception. Over the years, countless people have committed themselves to fundraising activities. The monies generated help DRF fulfill its
mission to support hearing research.
Volunteering can become a way of life for people who are truly dedicated and this certainly seems to be the case for William H. “Bill” Saunders, M.D., and his wife Putzie Saunders. This generous couple has been actively involved during the entirety of DRF’s nearly 50-year history.
A widely-respected otolaryngologist and academic leader, Bill embraced DRF’s mission from the beginning and he and Putzie have championed the organization throughout its growth
and challenges. He was one of the first lifetime members of the DRF Centurions, a cadre of prominent otolaryngologists, researchers and audiologists as well as medical societies and ear product manufacturers. He and his fellow “guardians” remain dedicated to providing a strong sustaining base for DRF.
Reflecting on his fellow member’s impact, former DRF Medical Director Wesley Bradley, M.D., says Bill has played an important leadership role in the Centurions. He remarks, “Both he and Mrs. Saunders are very generous with their time and have given a great deal of support to DRF.”
Putzie has been a longtime and active member of the DRF Association, a group of Centurion spouses.
She and the other hardworking members have raised several thousand dollars through benefit sales and events.
Bill retired in 1984 from an illustrious 30-year tenure, including two decades as chair, in the department of otolaryngology at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Each year since
then, the Saunders have attended numerous medical conferences around the U.S., affording the doctor the opportunity to maintain contact with his colleagues and stay current on research and technology.
It also provides an opportunity for Putzie to promote DRF through one of her unique fundraisers. In the exhibit halls, she sells beautiful handmade jewelry, designating a portion of the proceeds for the organization.
Over the years, the couple’s time and talents have turned into thousands of dollars in contributions, all donated in an unfailingly gracious manner.
George A. Gates, M.D., DRF medical director and member of the board, is a longtime friend of the Saunders and a big fan of their work. He says, “Each year we look forward to seeing Bill and Putzie
at the conventions. Their display of jewelry is awesome.”
Gates adds, “Their devotion to hearing research, to the otology profession and to organized otolaryngology is memorable and admirable. It is Bill and Putzie who are the jewels.”
April Parreco, development manager at Youth Service America, was formerly DRF’s events and conference manager and involved in the organization’s public education and development projects. She lives in Edgewater, Maryland.
