HealthFinders’ Annual Spring Gala, held on March 30th at the Carleton Weitz Center was a huge success raising over $100,000 to support HealthFinders programs. It was an event of firsts…first time at a new venue, first time using bidding technology, first time raising over $100,000, first time with a photo booth and first time having a key note gift presentation. Our theme honored the Power of Partnerships and emphasized collaborations with Allina Health, Northfield Hospital + Clinic, Mayo Clinic Health System, Sterling Pharmacy, and Rice County Public Health. Dr. Michael Richie of Richie Eye Clinic was also recognized for his role in giving a HealthFinders patient “his life back”. These successes belong to our entire community, and are only made possible by longstanding, committed, and growing partnerships.
Charlie Mandile, Executive Director, confirmed that HealthFinders is in the “quiet phase” of a Combined Campaign to “Double our impact in Rice County by 2025”. He talked about the current un-met needs in the community, HealthFinders need to re-locate the Faribault Clinic, and how our plan is to grow HealthFinders’ organizational capacity to meet those needs. You will be hearing much more about this in the year to come. The highlight of the evening was the keynote speech, by Joseph Lally, Executive Director of Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. After outlining the successful history of our two organizations’ partnership, he stunned the audience by announcing a lead commitment of $1,000,000 to support HealthFinders’ campaign. The amazingly generous gift is intended to jump start our campaign and support the expansion of dental services in Rice County. Guests who attended the event loved the new venue and had a great time. Check out the photos from the Gala and the photobooth! HealthFinders is grateful to Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation for their lead campaign gift; an anonymous donor for a matching challenge gift of $12,500; presenting event sponsor- Medtronic Foundation; Platinum sponsors-Premier Banks, Carleton College, Fox Advancement, Delta Dental of Minnesota, Bon Appetit, Community Resource Bank, Reliance Bank, Frandsen Bank & Trust, and Carlson Capital Management; Gold Sponsors-Professional Drive Dental, College City Beverage, Goosebusters, Jennie-O-Turkey Store, and Sheldahl; Silver Sponsors-First United Bank, First National Bank, Northfield Construction, MDC Real Estate, and MRG Tool & Die. Bronze Sponsors- Schieck Orthodontics, Benjamin Bus, Rebound Enterprises, Witt Bros, Southern Heights Dental, Steven Pribyl, and Heritage Dental Care. We are also thankful to everyone who donated auction items, purchased auction items, bought tickets, supported our Fund-A-Need or volunteered to help with the event. Be sure to join the fun next year! Mark your calendar for our 2020 Gala on Saturday, March 21st, 2020. It takes a whole county, working together, to provide health care access for all. Thank you, one and all!
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