Walter's supports kids through golf tournament   Steve and Cathy Kienle, owners of Walter's Mercedes Benz of Riverside, present a $70,000 check to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, proceeds from The Walter's Children's Charity Classic.   In 1961, Walter's Repair Shop opened in Riverside, California. It soon evolved into one of the top family-owned Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the United States. Because Walter's could not have been successful without community support, owners Steve and Cathy Kienle have dedicated much of their time and money in giving back to the community. Throughout the years, they have supported many charitable organizations in inland Southern California which are dedicated to a variety of causes, including health care, child abuse prevention, education, and the arts. Combining their love for golf with their commitment to the community "especially its children" the Kienles initiated The Walter's Children's Charity Classic two years ago for the benefit of Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. The golf tournament has met with overwhelming success, raising $50,000 in 1996 and $70,000 in 1997. Proceeds from last year's event are being used to fund the following items for the Children's Hospital: A Propaq treatment monitor for NICU 3700; A parent's respite room, a portable Escort monitor, and thermometers for the pediatric oncology unit 4800; Nintendos and VCRs with installation for each room in pediatric acute care units 5100, 5200, and 5300; and An ECMO heart/lung machine research project to support the ECMO program and provide opportunities to improve care. To promote The Walter's Children's Charity Classic and raise additional funds for the Children's Hospital, the Kienles had commemorative silk ties designed. The ties are sold in area Nordstrom stores, Walter's dealership, and the Medical Center gift shop. "We are so thankful for all the Kienles have done," says Reiner Roeske, CPA, director, Children's Hospital Foundation. "The planning process for the golf classic consumes a large part of the year for them. They spend countless hours organizing all of the components of the event including the marketing, sponsorship solicitation, silent auction, special fund-raising prizes, and the evening's program. "The Kienles also are major supporters of our annual Children's Hospital Foundation Gala," Mr. Roeske continues. "They truly make a difference in the community and in the lives of children who come to our hospital for care." University | Medical_Center | LLU&MC_home | Search_&_index | News_&_events | Employment | Contact | Our_mission All contents copyright © 2001 Loma Linda University. All rights reserved. Revised Monday, January 28, 2002 3:50 PM Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu URL: http: //www.llu.edu