Great Bend Couple Recognized for Their Giving to Shriners Children's Philadelphia

Theron and Dawn Banker were recently acknowledged for their generous giving to Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. The Philanthropic Society at the hospital honors major living donors and deceased benefactors who give contributions or bequests to support the hospital’s patients and their medical care, regardless of the patients’ or families' ability to pay.

Both Theron and Dawn have passed away, leaving a portion of their estate to the hospital. Theron was a Shriner and a member of the Legion of Honor at Kalurah Shrine in Endicott, New York. He was also a Past Master of Blue Stone Lodge #338 in Hallstead, Pennsylvania.

Their primary residence was in Great Bend, Pennsylvania, but they also had homes and spent much of their time in Forestport, New York and Ocala, Florida. Theron served in the Army during the Korean War. Dawn worked at Singer Link, and Theron later worked at IBM in Endicott for 30 years. He later opened his own business, Custom Machining, Inc., in Great Bend.

Theron and Dawn Banker were recently acknowledged for their generous giving to Shriners Children’s Philadelphia. The Philanthropic Society at the hospital honors major living donors and deceased benefactors who give contributions or bequests to support the hospital’s patients and their medical care, regardless of the patients’ or families' ability to pay.

Both Theron and Dawn have passed away, leaving a portion of their estate to the hospital. Theron was a Shriner and a member of the Legion of Honor at Kalurah Shrine in Endicott, New York. He was also a Past Master of Blue Stone Lodge #338 in Hallstead, Pennsylvania.

Their primary residence was in Great Bend, Pennsylvania, but they also had homes and spent much of their time in Forestport, New York and Ocala, Florida. Theron served in the Army during the Korean War. Dawn worked at Singer Link, and Theron later worked at IBM in Endicott for 30 years. He later opened his own business, Custom Machining, Inc., in Great Bend.

Every Philanthropic Society donation or bequest at Shriners Children’s is honored by a separate wood plaque permanently placed on the donor recognition wall in the hospital. The individual plaque features a laser engraved, personalized inscription commemorating the contribution.

Shriners Children’s changes lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Through generous donations and bequests, such as the Bankers’ contribution, the health care system provides advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

Shriners Children’s Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.