Burwell family donates memorial funds to ALMH Vaccination Clinic

[April 17, 2021]  The Lincoln area lost a beloved member of the community when Gene Burwell, 85, passed away last November from COVID-19, but his family has honored his memory by continuing his legacy of helping others.

More than 100 donors gave a total of over $22,000 to the Gene Burwell Memorial Fund for COVID-19 Relief.

As vaccinations became more readily available, the family chose to designate the funds specifically toward administration of the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital (ALMH).

While the vaccines are provided free of charge, the nonprofit hospital incurs costs related to staffing the vaccination clinics and administering the vaccines.

Karen Burwell of Lincoln receives her first vaccination for COVID-19 at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s Vaccination Clinic last month. 

“There were so many friends and family who donated to Gene’s memorial,” said Gene’s wife, Karen Burwell, who recently received her first COVID-19 vaccination. “We wanted to make sure other people benefited from it. It is important for everyone to be vaccinated. Whatever we can do to stop this is important. We are just glad the money can benefit the people of Lincoln and Logan County.”

Sarah Helm, executive director of the ALMH Foundation, realized from the mail flooding in that Gene Burwell had left a lasting impression on many people from the area.

“There was an abundance of cards and special notes that were shared with us about Mr. Burwell and his impact on people’s lives,” she said. “The amount donated – just over $22,000 – is just incredible.”

Burwell was born in Bloomington, grew up in Beason and raised a family with his wife, Karen, in Lincoln. He was a successful self-employed businessman who loved boating, classic cars, NASCAR races and spending time with friends and family, including their four children, 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

“For me, Mr. Burwell was one of those larger-than-life individuals,” said Dolan Dalpoas, president and CEO of ALMH. “His was a classic American story of a guy who came from humble beginnings, worked very hard, became successful and then gave generously to others and his community.”

The COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at ALMH is available to the people of Lincoln and Logan County. For more information, visit ALMH.org/COVID-19-Vaccination-Clinic.

[Michael Leathers]