St. Charles Foundation event raises more than $200,000
St. Charles Foundation’s 2015 Saints Gala broke its own record and netted more than $200,000.
The masquerade-themed Nov. 14 event at the Riverhouse Convention Center Ballroom was sold out. This year’s Gala featured a gourmet meal, live and silent auctions, a big-ticket raffle and a performance of the Viennese waltz by local ballroom dancers.
Auction packages included a flight on a vintage aircraft from the Erikson Aircraft Collection in Madras, a weeklong trip to Sayulita, Mexico and a private Super Bowl party for 70 at the Pine Tavern.
During the event, St. Charles Health System hospitalist John Zachem, D.O., was awarded this year’s North Star Award, recognizing an actively practicing physician in the region whose work has been defined by compassionate patient care, professionalism and a commitment to improving the lives of Central Oregonians.
More than $80,000 from a successful paddle raise will directly support St. Charles stroke rehabilitation services to help stroke survivors reach their fullest potential for recovery, independence and quality of life.
“It’s important to recognize what the perception of stroke is in our community,” said Beth Wiese, RN, St. Charles stroke coordinator. “Everyone thinks it doesn’t happen to me — that it’s not going to affect me. I would be curious to look around the room right now and see how many people know someone who has been affected by stroke.”
The Saints Gala is St. Charles Foundation’s signature annual fundraising event for community members who wish to invest in quality health care for Central Oregonians. Each year proceeds go to a priority campaign, program or department as well as to supporting St. Charles Health System’s vision of “Creating America’s healthiest community, together.”
“St. Charles is a nonprofit, community-owned organization that depends on the generous support of donors,” said Lisa Dobey, St. Charles Foundation executive director. “The Saints Gala is an annual celebration of the incredible generosity of our community.”
For information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact St. Charles Foundation Philanthropy Officer Kelly Jordan at 541-706-6757 or kejordan@stcharleshealthcare.org.
