RUHL FAMILY DONATES TO TCA & OTHER CITY DEPARTMENTS

A local Tecumseh family recently donated money to the City of Tecumseh. Tecumseh’s Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, and Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) were all recipients of donations from Rick and Diana Ruhl, in memory of Rick’s parents Harold and Jean Ruhl.

On November 13, 2020, Tecumseh Fire Department received a generous donation from the Ruhl Family to be used toward the purchase of a Lucas Chest Compression Device.  This device is used to perform chest compressions during a cardiac arrest event and delivers consistent compressions, which frees up personnel to perform other functions.  This will be the second chest compression device for the department and will provide Tecumseh Fire Department with a Lucas device on both licensed medical units.  “The members of the fire department would like to thank the Ruhl Family for their generosity in memory of Harold and Jean Ruhl,” stated Tecumseh Fire Chief Joe Tuckey.

Tecumseh Parks and Recreation also received a considerable donation that will make summer afternoons at Cal Zorn Park much easier for families to enjoy. Ruhl, in honor of his parents, donated toward Splash Pad improvements and a bathroom that will be located at the east end of Cal Zorn Recreation Center. The well-used Splash Pad has been in service for 15 years and is need of upgrades including a new water element, more shade and seating, in addition to a small bathroom building. “A bathroom and Splash Pad improvements have been on the ‘dream big’ list and now that is looking more promising because of the Ruhl’s gift,” says Sarah Gilmore, Parks and Recreation Director. “This gift will make it easier for families to spend more time at the park enjoying the Splash Pad instead of searching for shade or trekking across the soccer fields to get to a bathroom,” adds Gilmore.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) was the third department to receive a donation from the Ruhl Family. The funding will be used in several projects at the theater. The first will include upgrades and improvements to the Dressing Rooms complete with art murals, updated furniture and equipment. The second project will go toward the construction of a partially enclosed sound booth at the back of the auditorium, creating a more polished look to the area. “The generosity and support of Tecumseh families like the Ruhl family is truly inspiring,” stated Kelly Jo Gilmore, TCA Director. “The Ruhl Family’s support will make a positive impact on the arts in our entire community for generations to come.”

Tecumseh Center for the Arts has chosen Sous La Ciel to paint the murals inside the TCA Dressing Rooms. Michigan artists Adrienne Pickette and Kellie Bambach will transform the TCA Dressing Rooms into a visual landscape that allows us to peek inside the creative minds of TCA performers. 

The City of Tecumseh is excited to move forward with these projects and is grateful for the contributions of citizens like the Ruhl Family who give back to the Tecumseh community.