Ardis Gardella is a mother of a hearing-impaired son, and she is driven by the belief that working with the entire family provides the best way to improve quality of life for a deaf child. Through her dedication and fundraising efforts, Ardis helped bring the Holley Family Village––a family center for the deaf and hard of hearing and deaf/blind––to completion in 2004.

The Family Village is unique to the Midwest and is one of only three of its kind nationwide to assist its underserved community. Due to Ardis’ conscience and determination, the Village is the only center specifically created with the special needs of the deaf integrated throughout its design.

As President and founder of Holley Ear Institute, Ardis refuses compensation. She selflessly works a minimum of 40 hours per week and drives over 120 miles per day to administer programs, counsel families, and assist staff.

Ardis also manages special events for the cause. She is credited with single-handedly raising approximately $2,500,000. Additionally, Ardis established the Department of Audiology and Universal Screening of Newborn Infants for Deafness and Hearing Loss in 1993 at St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Today, Holley Ear Institute volunteers screen nearly 4,000 infants each year. Ardis’ undeniable spirit, work, and achievements have helped improve the lives of thousands of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

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