By Mary-Justine Lanyon
The terrace at SkyPark at Santa’s Village was buzzing with conversations as donors to the Mountains Community Hospital Foundation gathered for a dinner honoring them and their contributions.
“Our hospital is what it is because of people like you,” Foundation board president Peter Venturini told the gathering at the Summit Circle donor dinner.
Several staff members addressed the more than 170 guests.
Kim McGuire (left) and Yvonne Waggoner shared information on donations made to the Foundation and what they mean to the hospital.
Kim McGuire – executive director of the MCH Foundation and director of community development – recalled two incidents where her daughter was injured. “I had peace of mind as soon as I knew she was in the MCH emergency bay. Going to the ER is profoundly stressful. I am proud to work at the hospital.”
Last year, McGuire said, the Foundation raised $650,000 and was able to give the hospital more than $800,000 for lifesaving equipment.
“We are so appreciative of the Foundation,” said CFO Yvonne Waggoner. “Since 2009, $7.5 million has been donated. That is the biggest reason we have state-of-the-art equipment. We cannot thank you enough.”
And Julie Davis, the acute care manager, noted that four pieces of critical equipment had been purchased this year. “We used the defibrillator today – you change heartbeats.”
General surgeon Dr. Beshoy Nashed noted he has lived in a lot of places. “This is such a welcoming, unique place,” he said. “Every person I’ve met at the hospital has a smile.”
CEO Mark Turner listens as Dr. Greg Dahlquist talks about the Skilled Nursing Facility, which he serves as the medical director.
“When I came here,” said CEO Mark Turner, “one thing that impressed me was we have great technology. Patient safety and quality care are critical.” He explained how MCH will be expanding – coming up to seismic code, building a new acute care wing, expanding the ER and the Skilled Nursing Facility.
As the evening concluded – following a dinner of steak, salmon or a vegetarian option – Venturini said that “in the next year we will begin building a new acute care wing as part of the seismic renovation. It takes a mountain village – your donations reflect an expression of appreciation from all of you for our hospital and the people who work there.”
MCH will hold its 30th Le Grand Picnic on Sunday, July 21 in the hospital’s rose garden. Tickets for Field of Dreams are available at www.mchcares.com.
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