February 4 event to benefit BGH Mammography Department By Patty Hutchens, Bonner General Health Foundation
Since its revival 15 years ago, the Bonner General Health Foundation has worked tirelessly to raise well over $1 million to support the needs of Bonner General Health, thereby enhancing the services and quality of care for those in our community.
“We are so fortunate to have such a generous community and Foundation to help support us with needs that arise,” said Bonner General Health’s CEO Sheryl Rickard. “Frequently with a nonprofit hospital, such as ours, there are specific things that cannot be covered due to budget limitations. The foundation does a great deal to make some dreams a reality.”
The foundation’s primary fundraiser is the Annual Heart Ball, an elegant evening of a gourmet dinner, dancing, and amazing auction items.
This year’s Heart Ball will be held on February 4, and the Board is thrilled to announce that it will be in person this year at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.
“We had an amazing two years hosting the Heart Ball virtually, but everyone is eager to gather together again and celebrate our 15th annual Heart Ball,” said Board member and Heart Ball Chair Georgia Simmons.
The primary focus of the February 4 event will be to raise funds for an additional 3-D mammography machine for Bonner General Health.
“Due to our population growth, there are unfulfilled screening mammogram orders in our system. This means there is likely undiagnosed breast cancer in our community. The addition of a new mammography machine will decrease wait times and increase capacity for both screening and diagnostic mammograms, which will result in lives saved,” said Daniel Holland, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Bonner General Health.
The hospital has a newly remodeled imaging center that has a room available to be dedicated strictly to mammograms. This would allow an additional 20 mammograms to be performed each day by a 3-D mammography machine—the most accurate type of imaging.
There are several opportunities to participate and support the 15th Annual Heart Ball. Businesses and individuals can purchase a table of eight or a table of 10. There are also various sponsorship opportunities available.
“We have people who have stepped forward and would like to have their sponsorship be in memory or in honor of a loved one who had breast cancer. It’s a wonderful way to honor someone,” said Molly Behrens, Community Development and Foundation Specialist for Bonner General Health.
Whether you enjoy international travel, a staycation or family adventure, there is something for everyone at this year’s live auction.
In addition, one of the highlights of the evening is the dessert auction. There are approximately 25 desserts that are being donated from area restaurants and private bakers that will be auctioned off at the event.
“It always gets very lively when different tables are bidding on the many desserts,” said Simmons. “We are so grateful to all those who donate their culinary skills to help raise money for our Hometown Hospital.”
For more information on how you can participate, please log onto BonnerGeneral.org/foundation and click on the link to the Heart Ball.
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