Good Morning:
Elevate Inc. is saddened to announce the passing of our longtime Board Member, Steve Hoogester. Steve passed away as the result of a hunting accident over the weekend.
Steve served as a Board Member for Elevate since the late 1990s and was instrumental in the successful merging of the Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse of Washington County and Nova Services in 2014. He served in a variety of leadership roles between 2000 and 2010 including President, Vice President and Treasurer. His wisdom, compassion and strategic vision helped to bring Elevate to where we are today.
Steve and his family were also an integral part of the success of Elevate’s two primary fundraisers including the “Under the Influence of… Adrenaline” Triathlon and Marathon, where his primary concern was the safety of all the participants. He monitored the swimmers coming in and out of the lakes while his son and daughter-in-law provided lifeguard support from the boat. And when our marathon was held the week after the Boston Marathon bombing, he combed the Eisenbahn Trail to ensure it was safe prior to the start of the event.
And, perhaps most importantly, when he met someone in the community that was struggling with their own or a loved ones' substance use or mental health disorder, he encouraged them to seek out our services and supported them in any way he could.
We are forever grateful for his Leadership, commitment and most importantly, his friendship. Please join us in sending prayers to his family for strength during this very difficult time.
