The Most Rev. James C. Timlin, D.D., bishop emeritus of Scranton, had a simple mission Saturday night.
He needed to thank as many people at the American Heart Association's Lackawanna County Heart Ball as possible. Since he's recovering from heart surgery, he felt it was the least he could do.
"I'm extremely grateful," Bishop Timlin said.
On Saturday, nearly 300 people gathered at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel for the 17th annual Lackawanna County Heart Ball.
Event coordinator Julanne Hogan said the annual event raises more than $100,000 for the American Heart Association. All of it goes to fund research to fight heart disease and strokes.
"We are raising funds today for tomorrow's research," she said.
Jack Walsh, president of Mended Hearts Inc.'s Chapter 276, credits research with keeping him alive. An 18-year survivor of heart disease, he said the level of importance for fundraising events is incalculable.
"It's tremendous," Mr. Walsh said.
Bishop Timlin is also grateful to return to his pastime: flying. A pilot of more than 50 years, he had to put his hobby on hold until he recovered from heart surgery in June.
Now that his requisite six months of recovery is completed, he can once again take the helm of an airplane.
"I feel fine," Bishop Timlin said.
"I'm good as new."
Contact the writer: jkohut@timesshamrock.com, @jkohutTT on Twitter