The Wallowa Valley Health Care Foundation wrote a check to Wallowa Memorial Hospital December 3 for $148,497 — the net proceeds from the November 10 Healthy Futures Dinner Auction that took place at Cloverleaf Hall in Enterprise. The record-breaking event was topped off by a $50,000 challenge from an anonymous donor, who agreed to match up to $50,000 in cash donations. Thanks to $35,000 from three donors, including the Donald Hubbard Family Estate giving $10,000, and a Paddle Raise that brought in $30,100, supporters more than met the challenge.
Proceeds went towards the new ultrasound system, which cost $171,000. Sonographer Reba Patton gave a compelling case for the new ultrasound at the Dinner Auction, showing through a video the clear images of the new technology. “I love my job and I’m so excited to be able to scan our patients using this new system,” said Reba. Contrasting Reba’s talk about the amazing new technology was a comment from retired Dr. Devee Boyd, “When I saw my first ultrasound, we didn’t have 250 shades of gray,” Dr. Boyd said. “We had one.”
Dr. Boyd’s handcrafted wood furniture were the biggest sellers in the live auction, as they often are. Other big ticket items included a one hour scenic flight over Wallowa Valley with Dick Stangel, a 10 day trip to the tip of Baja, California to Las Barriles , Mexico, Bend vacations, and more.
As 2018 comes to a close, the Foundation is celebrating a record year of fundraising, with nearly a quarter of a million dollars raised. “This support comes exclusively from individual supporters; we don’t get any corporate grants,” said Foundation Director Stacy Green. We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of the community.”
The Foundation is run by a ten member all volunteer board that includes President Dave Smyth, Vice President Diana Collins, Jolene Cox, John Hillock, Eric Johnson, Terry Jones, Becky Knapp, Vearl Lewis, Gail Swart and Glenda Underhill. For more information, contact the Foundation at 541.426.1913.