Virtual Gala Raises $45k for Hospital; Kaul Named Healthcare Hero

Nov 03, 2020

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William Newton Healthcare Foundation hosted its 13th annual fundraising event October 10 presented by Union State Bank. To help keep guests safe, the virtual gala and benefit auction was live streamed and used an online bidding platform. ****

Union State Bank President and CEO Eric Kurtz addressed guests in a pre-recorded message, acknowledging the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As I reflect on the decades-long support that Union State Bank and the community in general have given the foundation, none of us could have ever imagined the importance William Newton Hospital and our healthcare providers would be playing in our community.”

The foundation raised nearly $46,000 benefiting William Newton Hospital’s Second Century Campaign.

“The proceeds raised from this evening will directly impact the care given to thousands upon thousands of people,” said William Newton Hospital CEO Ben Quinton in his pre-recorded welcome. “The 10-year campaign helps us meet both current and future needs.”

The 2020 gala was dubbed ‘Maskerade,’ embracing the use of face masks for personal protective equipment. Over 200 guests attended virtually through the purchase of individual tickets or watch parties for small gatherings. For groups, a party in a box was delivered by Winfield High School’s chapter of Health Occupations Students of America which included favors, decorations, wine, and a meat and cheese tray from Wheat State Wine Co. Other add-ons delivered directly to guests’ homes included catering by Great Western Dining, cookies from O’ My Ganache Cakes, entertainment, and more.

In the week leading up to the gala, guests bid online for 12 silent auction packages. On the night of the gala, the live stream featured pre-recorded entertainment from The Scrubs, recognition of sponsors and package underwriters, and a live auction of nine packages conducted by auctioneer Rick Hopper.

Anand Kaul, MD, internal medicine physician who practiced in Winfield for almost 48 years, was the recipient of Union State Bank’s annual Healthcare Hero Award. This award is presented to those who have made an impact on healthcare in the local community.

Union State Bank Winfield/Udall Market President Cory Helmer stated Dr. Kaul is “highly respected and treasured by his friends, his peers, and his trustees.”

Dr. Kaul retired from Winfield Medical Arts in early 2020 and has resided in Winfield since 1972.

Quinton noted, “Dr. Kaul’s many years and countless hours of dedicated service have blessed the lives of the people in this area. We are truly grateful to have had Dr. Kaul on the hospital’s medical staff.”

In accepting his award, Dr. Kaul remarked, “I am very thankful to the bank for this award and am also thankful to the hospital for supporting me all the years. I am most thankful for my patients for having confidence in me as their doctor. It was a privilege to treat them.”

Next year’s gala is slated for October 16, 2021. The foundation is hoping conditions permit an in-person event to be held at the historic Burford Theater. William Newton Healthcare Foundation Director Annika Morris reflected on the positives that emerged from hosting a virtual gala.

“The money raised for the hospital was comparable to previous years,” said Morris. “Pivoting to virtual prompted us to incorporate technology in new ways and enabled us to connect with donors who wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise.”

Morris said the team plans to integrate some virtual aspects moving forward to extend the foundation’s reach during the fundraiser.