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In 2024, Wabash resident Billy Osborne envisioned a Cruise-in event to complement the annual Founders Festival. That first year, 25 cars rolled in to support the idea. In 2025, the event more than tripled in size, drawing 80 vehicles and even more community support.
But this year's Cruise-in carried a deeper meaning. Billy was no longer there to see it. He passed away in March after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. To honor his memory, the event was renamed the Billy Osborne Memorial Cruise-in, with proceeds benefiting both the Founders Festival and the Oncology Department at Parkview Wabash Hospital.
"There's no entry fee for the Cruise-in," Osborne's family shared during a check presentation at the hospital last week. "We just asked for donations and sold T-shirts."
Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, more than $3,000 was donated to the Parkview Wabash Hospital Oncology Department through the Parkview Health Foundation.
Kim Osborne, Billy's wife of 35 years, spoke through tears about the care her husband received. "The nurses were so good to Billy," she said. "They anticipated his needs and helped him feel more comfortable every time he came in."
Kim recalled how the staff often placed Billy in a private room, knowing he liked to close his eyes and relax. "When I thought he was asleep, I'd sneak out and talk to the nurses. They would listen to me talk," she said with a soft laugh. "Oh—and he was never asleep!"
Their oldest son, Chris, also praised the Oncology team. "Mom was with Dad through every treatment," he said. "The nurses took care of both of them even beyond the hospital walls."
The love and gratitude the Osborne family feels for Billy—and for the care he received—was evident during the donation presentation. Emotions ran high, family members spoke of his legacy and the impact of the hospital staff. "We want this money to help others in whatever way you see fit," Kim and Chris emphasized. "If a patient needs something, use it. If staff need something, use it for them."
Make an impact
The Parkview Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Parkview Health, connects donor generosity with meaningful opportunities to advance care, innovation and community well-being. Gifts to the Foundation are carefully managed to ensure lasting impact across Parkview's hospitals and programs, helping to elevate health and enhance lives for all we serve. For more information on how to support the Foundation's work, please visit our website here.
