Dr. Jane Graebner said Delaware County and the surrounding communities have been kind to her and her family over the past three decades.
And that’s why she and her fellow physicians and staff members at Foot & Ankle Wellness Center are eager to give back to the community through a Day of Kindness.
“I really want to repay the community for (its kindness),” Graebner said. “I really feel like that’s what we’re called to do on this earth. … It feels like the right thing to do. Maybe starting a fad; it’s hip to be kind.”
The event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Foot & Ankle Wellness Center’s campus, 1871 W. William St. Free food, live entertainment, the chance to meet physicians, tours of the facility, and a drawing for a cash prize are on the agenda.
“Delaware is such a small, close-knit community that we really felt that it was the perfect place to set a great example of friendliness,” said Tamie Wilson, marketing manager for the center. “So we wanted to be the pioneers, so to speak, of something like this here.”
Delaware Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle will present a proclamation establishing Aug. 30 as the Day of Kindness.
“I was surprised when Tamie told me that every year now, as a result of the proclamation, Aug. 30 will be the Day of Kindness,” Graebner said. “That’s kind of cool. It’s like making a holiday of your own — and we started it. Later, I hope they don’t remember it’s us (who started it). I just hope it becomes an institution in Delaware.”
Graebner said her fellow physicians in the practice — Martha A. Anderson, Drew J. Belpedio, and Christopher A. Tulodzieski — are on board with the idea of reaching out to the community.
“I think it’s just good to remind people and just say, ‘Hey, let’s get back to our basics. Let’s get back to our values, and let’s treat each other with respect, no matter our differences,’” Anderson said. “Those are ideals and philosophies that I like to live by. I think sometimes people just need a little reminder of that.”
Graebner, whose practice has spanned 35 years in Delaware County, will be turning her practice over to her partners in July 2021 and plans to work only one day after that date. She hopes her legacy is marked by kindness.
“I’ve recently been reminded in my personal life that there’s always time to be nice and to be kind to the people around you,” she said. “I think our world is fast-paced and busy. I don’t think people mean to be unkind; they just get so focused on getting things done. … I really, truly believe we have more good people out there in the world than bad ones. They just get all the press.”
