WICHITA, Kan. - In honor of the Rev. Cheryl Bell, who is retiring from the Kansas Health Foundation Board after seven years of service, the health foundation will present a $25,000 check to the charity of her choice, United Methodist Open Door, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 during the Open Door board meeting at Wichita's East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E. Douglas.

The purpose and mission of United Methodist Open Door is to provide food, clothing and shelter to more than 14,500 people in need each month in the Wichita area. "The size of this gift will allow us to make a significant impact in this difficult economy," says Deann Smith, Open Door's executive director. "I am thrilled with such a significant gift. With the rising request for services, we want to remain flexible in being able to respond to emerging issues."

Bell, who currently serves as the Wichita District Superintendent for the Kansas West Conference of the United Methodist Church, is moving to Newton to pastor Trinity Heights United Methodist Church there. "I really am excited about getting to know the people of Newton," Bell says.

Bell has been a longtime volunteer, advocate and close friend of United Methodist Open Door. She previously served as Open Door's executive director for a couple of years. "Cheryl continues to help us tell our message throughout the community," Smith says.

United Methodist Open Door was founded in 1965 as United Methodist Urban Ministry of Wichita by a group of Methodist clergy and laity who felt that the church should be more responsive to the advocacy needs of our society.

In 1981, the United States faced serious financial problems that adversely affected Wichita's economy. In response to that crisis, United Methodist Urban Ministry became even more involved in direct service to the community.