‘Spirit of philanthropy’ ties together trio of dedications

The Yaryan Family Primary Care area at Reid Health Connersville was made possible by a donation from Andy Yaryan, OD.

When Andy Yaryan, OD, was looking to start his own practice as a young optometrist, he received help from Bill Rogers Sr., who put up the funding for a new building in Connersville, helped design it, and then built it.

Bill's children - siblings Steve and Denise - later followed their dad's example, helping Dr. Yaryan expand his practice into nearby communities.

It's fitting then that they shared the spotlight as three spaces in the new Reid Health Connersville facility were formally dedicated Saturday.

The donations that helped make the Rogers Family Conference Room, Yaryan Family Primary Care, and Fayette Community Foundation Primary Care Corridor possible were celebrated together at the event.

Each space sits next to the other along a first-floor corridor in the building's Outpatient Care Center.

For Dr. Yaryan, the opportunity to give to the community through a donation to the capital campaign for the new Reid Health Connersville building was one he didn't want to pass up.

"In the Bible, it states Christ loves a cheerful giver," he said. "This community has given so much to me, and I wanted to be able to contribute to something outside my office.

"This will be a great benefit to Connersville."

A stint serving on the Fayette Community Foundation's board helped instill the "spirit of philanthropy" in Dr. Yaryan, which has carried over into his current role as a member of the Reid Health Foundation Board.

The Rogers Family Conference Room at Reid Health Connersville was made possible by a donation from Steve and Denise Rogers.

"I think that was the point where I really understood how much it can really impact a community," he said. "I saw how donating money can have such a great impact and what it can do to help improve the quality of life in Fayette County, and that was inspiring."

Abigail Roszell, Executive Director of the Fayette Community Foundation, was happy to be part of a day that honored not only her own organization but a former board member as well.

"I think it's wonderful Dr. Yaryan is still committed to philanthropy in Fayette County, which extends beyond Reid Health and the foundation," she said. "It's a meaningful relationship, and we're excited to be able to celebrate with him.

"It was very important for us at the Fayette Community Foundation to have a stake in such an important asset so the community can see how much we value Reid Health's presence. Increasing the amount of services offered here is a huge step in the right direction for Fayette County."

For Steve and Denise, giving to the capital campaign was a way to honor their father and his own healthcare facility-related philanthropic efforts.

Years ago, Bill owned the Conner House Restaurant and Smorgasbord on Western Avenue, which he donated to Fayette Regional Health System. Reid would later acquire the building along with other Fayette Regional assets when that health system was forced into bankruptcy.

"Bill Rogers Sr. led by example," Denise said. "Steve heard about the opportunity to donate to the new Reid, and we talked about it and thought it would be a good way to honor our dad."

Health issues with Steve and Denise's parents over the years have demonstrated to them the value of having a state-of-the-art healthcare facility so close to home.

The Fayette Community Foundation Primary Care Corridor at Reid Health Connersville was made possible by a donation from the Fayette Community Foundation.

"Our dad went through a battle with cancer and our mother is currently in her mid-80s, so we've used the hospital frequently. It's very nice to have this facility so close, especially to her. I very much appreciate it."

Jason Troutwine, Reid Health Vice President and Reid Health Foundation President, thanked the Rogers family, Dr. Yaryan, and the Fayette Community Foundation for their generosity and for actively seeking to improve their home.

"It takes all of us working together to create lasting change in our communities," he said. "Everyone we've celebrated today has had an impact in ways large and small through their work and charity within Connersville and Fayette County.

"We're deeply appreciative of all they've done to help their family, friends, and neighbors so we can continue building a community that will grow and thrive for many years to come."