$46k Raised for Hospital; Auxiliary Named Healthcare Hero

Oct 30, 2019

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William Newton Healthcare Foundation hosted its 12th annual fundraising event October 12 at Wheat State Wine Co. presented by Union State Bank.

“Union State Bank is proud to partner with the William Newton Healthcare Foundation,” remarked Union State Bank Winfield/Udall Market President Cory Helmer. “We deeply appreciate having a community-minded organization fostering the growth and development of healthcare in our area.”

The foundation raised approximately $46,000 towards the emergency department expansion at William Newton Hospital. Making patient care more efficient and bringing improvements to facilities for emergency medicine services is the phase two focus of the hospital’s Second Century Campaign.

This year’s gala was dubbed “The Greatest Show” inspired by the 2018 film “The Greatest Showman.” Loosely based on P.T. Barnum’s road to success, the film celebrates the spectacle of the circus with catchy musical numbers and daring acrobatics. These elements were all reflected in the night’s theme.

Annika Morris, William Newton Healthcare Foundation director, welcomed 200 guests with a note connecting the theme back to quality local healthcare, “Thanks to YOU, William Newton Hospital is one of the greatest shows in town.”

“We are here because of WNH's committed employees, physicians, and donors like you who give your time, talents, and treasures to ensure that our local hospital will be here to serve the community into the next century.”

Social hour featured Bottle Service of Winfield and a special aerial silk performance by Christina Duncan of Flow Foundry ICT. Great Western Dining at Cowley College prepared and served the five-course evening meal.

During dinner, guests were treated to a surprise performance from the Winfield High School Viking Voices featuring two song and dance numbers from “The Greatest Showman.”

Guests had the opportunity to bid on 13 silent and 16 live auction packages. A ‘Bubbles & Bling’ raffle was held, sponsored by Bob’s Liquor, Bing Brothers, DiVall Liquor, and Schmidt Jewelers. Guests who bought a glass of Prosecco (Italian white wine) were entered into a drawing for a hand-crafted 14k yellow gold and garnet necklace. Sixteen circus-themed cakes created by Autumn Mugler of Oh My Ganache Cakes served as centerpieces and were then auctioned off at the end of the night.

Union State Bank presented its annual Healthcare Hero Award to the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary. The Healthcare Hero award is presented to those who have made an impact on healthcare in the local community.

Helmer spoke on behalf of Union State Bank and shared that the group “loves this hospital and loves serving this community.”

The auxiliary began contributing funds to William Newton Hospital in 1936 with the initial gift being $89. In 2018, the ladies and gentlemen of the auxiliary raised a record-breaking $60,000, and this year will cross the $1 million mark on total gifts given throughout the decades.

William Newton Hospital’s Cheryl Brock, director of volunteer services, remarked, “What makes this possible is the support of those who participate in the annual pro-am golf tournament, dine or buy gifts in the Snack Bar/Gift Shop, support the annual holiday market, buy tickets for the annual baked potato bar, purchase from the visiting Uniform Store and Collective Goods, give donations through the bakeless bake sale, or any other event the auxiliary hosts – your support makes all of this happen.”

Brock quipped, “That and the dedication of some pretty amazing auxilians.”

In addition to presenting sponsor Union State Bank, other businesses participated as sponsors including: Agora Architecture, American Family Insurance, Bing Brothers, BNSF Railway, Bob’s Liquor, Conco Construction, DiVall Liquor, Heartland Cardiology, RCB Bank, Schmidt Jewelers, Timber Creek Floral & Gifts, and Wheat State Wine Co. There were over 50 package underwriters and sponsors including ReJuvv’ Spa and Husky Liners.

Gala photos can be found on the foundation’s Facebook page.