First and Only Four-Legged Ambassador in Southern Illinois

The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce has taken an innovative approach to their ambassador program selecting Magnum, Facility Dog at Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Community Hospice Home, Relais Bonne Eau, as the newest member of their ambassador committee. He is the first and only four-legged ambassador on the Ed/Glen Chamber’s committee and in southern Illinois. Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Ed/Glen Chamber, and Magnum are excited and proud to announce his acceptance of this new role. He is seen not only as a representative of these organizations, but also as a representative of service, encouragement and unconditional love.  

Magnum is certified as a Facility Dog and Therapy Dog with C.H.A.M.P. (Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities) Assistance Dogs, Inc. Magnum is the Facility Dog at Hospice of Southern Illinois’ Community Hospice Home, Relais Bonne Eau. He brings comfort and joy to everyone he meets, making certain everyone from patients, their families and staff are cared for and loved.  Magnum’s day-to-day job is to listen to people, give them hugs, and make them smile with his energy and enthusiasm for life. His support will help the Ed/Glen Chamber and Hospice of Southern Illinois both communicate the importance of serving our community and advocate their missions.

Magnum’s years of experience serving others gave Ed/Glen Chamber leadership the confidence he would be a good fit for their organization. In their new volunteer roles he and his partner, Carol Mestemacher, are part of the ambassador committee, comprised of the Ed/Glen Chamber’s most active members serving as goodwill messengers for the chamber and community.  They will attend networking meetings, ribbon cuttings, and events hosted by and through the chamber. Everyone involved is excited for this new collaboration and cannot wait to see what the future brings.

 “We are honored to have Magnum as our newest ambassador,” said Ed/Glen Chamber President/CEO Desirée Bennyhoff. “This kind of partnership between vital service organizations and our business community is so well aligned with our mission, providing our members the opportunity to collaborate by raising awareness and celebrating prosperity. I offer my sincerest thanks to the Hospice of Southern Illinois staff and Mrs. Mestemacher for their dedication to Magnum’s new Ed/Glen Chamber ambassador role.”

The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization, dedicated to a strong, private sector regional economy. The mission of Hospice of Southern Illinois is to “enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness.” If you would like to learn more about our organizations or the programs we provide, please visit our websites, www.hospice.org or www.edglenchamber.com.