Shannon Philpott-Sanders

Family Donates in Memory of Life Cut Short

Published in the 7/9/10 issue of the Suburban Journals

Fairview Heights family donates in memory of life cut short
New playground equipment added to center

Family and friends say Lauren Glueck was a child at heart. Children flocked to her when she baby-sat and played on the playground at the Elks Lodge in Fairview Heights.

So after Glueck died suddenly from cardiac arrest in November 2008 at 23, it only seemed fitting that her loved ones would honor her memory by helping build a new playground.

“Kids loved her and she loved kids,” recalled her mother, Patty Glueck, of Fairview Heights.

After hosting a 2009 benefit in Lauren’s honor, the Glueck family donated $5,000 for new playground equipment at the Old Lincoln Trail lodge.

A bench in Lauren’s honor and a new playground set sits next to the lodge banquet center, replacing worn-out metal equipment donated years ago.

“Patty approached us and said that’s what she wanted to do with the benefit money,” said Brenda Morss, president of the Elks’ Ladies Auxiliary. “It was a selfless act.”

Patty Glueck said the support she received from the lodge following Lauren’s death made the decision easy.

“The lodge opened up to us and gave us a place to go – they helped us through a very difficult time,” she said. “Other members who had lost children shared their stories and made us feel like we weren’t the only ones grieving. They are good people.”

A dedication ceremony was held last month.

– Shannon Philpott

July 18, 2010 - Posted by sphilpott | News Stories, Newspaper Writing, Sample Work | dedication ceremony, Fairview Heights Elks Lodge, Lauren Glueck, memorial tribute, Patty Glueck, playground equipment, Suburban Journals