PONTIAC - Officials of an Illinois retirement home that received a surprise $2.4 million donation say the funds will be used enhance the home's facilities, programs and services.
The faith-based, nonprofit Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac received the donation from the estate of E. Ruth Harris, who passed away last year at the age of 103. The gift was presented to the Evenglow's board of trustees in June.
Staff member Kathy Alexander says Harris had been giving regular donations of about $100 to the facility each year, despite never having lived there. Alexander says the donations began to wane closer to her death.
Evenglow CEO Mark Hovren says the gift will be "the catalyst for making Evenglow a great place to live and a great place for future residents."
Evenglow's website says the home opened in 1958 through a donation.