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Gary Morsch, Olathe, has been named by the Johnson County Community College Foundation as the Johnson Countian of the Year for 2014. He will be honored at the Foundation’s 28th annual Some Enchanted Evening gala on Nov. 8, 2014, at the Overland Park Marriott Hotel.
Some Enchanted Evening is a black-tie event that includes a gourmet dinner, entertainment and dancing. Proceeds from the event support student scholarships at JCCC. Over the past 28 years, the Foundation has raised more than $5.5 million for the college’s scholarship program through Some Enchanted Evening.
“Dr. Gary Morsch and Heart to Heart International bring aid, comfort and hope to those who suffer anywhere in the world,” said Joe Sopcich, JCCC president. “His humanitarian efforts toward individual relief have global consequences. In his quest to alleviate suffering, he does what is right, and as a result, is an inspiration to those around him and beyond. It is our honor to recognize him as the 2014 Johnson Countian of the Year.”
“The JCCC Foundation is privileged to recognize Dr. Morsch through this award,” said Stewart Stein, JCCC Foundation president. “His significant contributions to underserved populations and nonprofit communities are truly inspiring. We look forward to celebrating his achievements at our Some Enchanted Evening gala this fall.”
Trained as a physician, Morsch spent 21 years in the United States Army and Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of colonel. During his years of service, he deployed to Kosovo, Iraq, Germany and Kuwait and served as commander of the 325th Combat Support Hospital.
His commitment to volunteerism and passion to serve led him to found Heart to Heart International, of which he is president. Heart to Heart International is a non-profit humanitarian medical aid, training and disaster relief non-governmental organization (NGO) that is committed to connecting people and resources to a world in need. Since its founding in 1992, Heart to Heart International has delivered medical aid and supplies worth more than $1 billion to more than 150 countries, including the United States. The organization responds to crises and natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. Heart to Heart International broadens access to healthcare by providing continuing medical education opportunities and lab standards training around the country and the globe. It works with U.S. safety-net clinics to help increase its capacity by providing medical equipment, supplies and volunteers that are vital to operations. The organization has been named to Forbes magazine’s prestigious list of “America’s 200 Largest Charities” and is recognized as one of the top nonprofits in the categories of donor efficiency and charitable commitment.
Morsch continues to practice family and emergency medicine through Docs Who Care, a medical staffing company he founded in 1993 to serve rural clinics and hospitals throughout the Midwest.
Morsch is also the author of several books, including the bestselling “The Power of Serving Others.” The book, which has been translated into multiple languages, has inspired thousands of people across the globe to dedicate their lives to serving the needs of others.
Morsch and his wife, Vickie, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Through events like Some Enchanted Evening, the JCCC Foundation has helped thousands of students pursue their dreams of a college education. Students with exceptional needs, such as single parents and displaced workers, and talented students in all areas of study benefit from Foundation scholarships.
Mary Birch, Overland Park, is the chair for the 2014 Some Enchanted Evening gala.
Past Johnson Countians of the Year are Lynn Mitchelson, 2013; Audrey Langworthy, 2012; David Wysong, 2010; Terry and Peggy Dunn, 2009; Fred Logan, 2008; Dick and Barbara Shull, 2007; Norman and Elaine Polsky, 2006; Ed Eilert, 2005; Robert D. Regnier, 2004; Walter Hiersteiner, 2003; Mary Birch, 2002; Drue Jennings, 2001; Betty Keim, 2000; Steve Rose, 1999; Charles J. Carlsen, 1998; George and Floriene Lieberman, 1997; Dick Bond, 1996; William Dunn, 1995; Adele Hall, 1994; SuEllen Fried, 1993; James P. Sunderland, 1992; Stan and Shirley Rose, 1991; John H. Robinson, 1990; Paul H. Henson, 1989; Ben Craig, 1988; and Robert H. Meneilly, 1987. In 2011, all previous Johnson Countians of the Year were honored for the 25th anniversary of Some Enchanted Evening.
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