Saints Gala raises $200K for C.O. health care
St. Charles Foundation’s 2018 Saints Gala was a huge success, netting more than $220,000 to support health care in Central Oregon, including the construction of a new patient tower that will help serve a rapidly growing region.
Held Oct. 20 at The Riverhouse, the Saints Gala honored St. Charles’ 100-year anniversary with the theme, “A night to shine as we celebrate a century of caring for all.” The evening included a gourmet meal, live and silent auctions and a big-ticket raffle. Among the highest-earning auction packages was the Super Bowl party for 60 guests at the Liberty Theater in downtown Bend.
This year’s paddle raise went toward the construction of a new patient tower at St. Charles Bend, which will house state-of-the-art Intensive Care and Progressive Care units, increasing the health system’s capacity to care for patients locally.
“The staff and caregivers at St. Charles were there for my family during our very difficult time in the ICU and after,” said Jennifer Williams, who spoke at the event about how her son was treated at St. Charles following a serious car accident. “We couldn’t be more grateful for all the care they have provided.”
St. Charles also announced this year’s North Star Award winner, Dr. Helenka Marcinek, whose work has been defined by compassionate patient care, professionalism and a commitment to improving the lives of Central Oregonians.
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.”
For information about the event and sponsorship opportunities for 2019, contact St. Charles Community Engagement Officer Kelly Jordan at 541-706-6757 or kejordan@stcharleshealthcare.org.
About St. Charles Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of St. Charles Health System, the Foundation works to support and improve health care in Central and Eastern Oregon. Private donations raised by the Foundation allow St. Charles to build new medical facilities, purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment, keep pace with the latest technological advances and deliver exceptional patient care in a healing environment. The Foundation does more than just raise money for bricks and mortar. The organization also raises money to support many programs that benefit low-income and uninsured patients.
