Legacy Event auction a chance to give back in unique way
When someone buys an item at an auction, they would generally expect to take something home with them. In the case of Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Legacy Event, a very special auction item will give people the chance to give back to their community.
Included on the July 10 list of auction items will be a power adjustable exam table, also known as a hi-lo exam table. An individual or group of people will have the opportunity to bid on this item and then in turn donate it back to Melissa Memorial Hospital.
The foundation gave MMH department managers a chance to nominate items for the board’s consideration for the 2021 auction. Items not selected have been placed in the MMHF giving opportunities packet that donors can look at when making donations.
The exam table is one of the most important pieces of equipment in the rehab department at MMH, said Scott Jeppson, physical and occupational therapy department manager.
Hi-lo exam tables offer maximum flexibility and ergonomic comfort for both the patient and the physical therapist. Because these tables are fully height adjustable, patient transfers from wheelchairs or gurneys are smoother and less disruptive for patients.
During an exam, the therapists can easily position the table to the desired height using a foot-controlled power pedal, which allows them to use both hands to provide uninterrupted therapy to the patient.
The specific hi-lo power adjustable exam table in Jeppson’s nomination comes equipped with separate adjustable sections to allow the upper and lower body to be positioned at different angles, which allows the therapist to optimize his or her treatment with proper body mechanics.
“I have been a physical therapist for a couple of years now, and I can’t even imagine not using a hi-lo table for the remaining 20-30 more years in my career. I would need my own physical therapy for a back adjustment every week if I didn’t have this table to help me when working on patients,” said Jeppson. “I am very grateful to be able to give quality care to each patient now that we will be getting a hi-lo table.”
Nancy Colglazier, MMHF executive director, said, “We’re excited to help MMH have the best for their patients.”
This is the fifth year MMHF has offered Legacy Event attendees the chance to give back through unique auction items. Two transport chairs were purchased last year, a medication waste disposal unit in 2019, a surgical head lamp in 2018 and two pediatric packs for the EMS department in 2017.
Legacy Event moved from February to July
“Denim & Diamonds” is the theme for MMHF’s 11th annual Legacy Event on Saturday, July 10, at Phillips County Event Center in Holyoke.
The event was postponed from Feb. 13 to July 10 due to COVID-19 regulations. MMHF is planning to move the event back to February in 2022.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s support and understanding with the change of date for our main fundraiser of the year,” said Colglazier, noting that there’s very limited space available for attendees at this point.
Guests can choose to dress in classy denim with diamonds or formal evening wear attire. The event will include live and silent auctions, dinner and a dance.
Funds raised will go toward IV pumps and a cardiac monitor system for MMH, scholarships for students pursuing medical degrees and MMHF operations.
Community members can still purchase raffle tickets up until the July 10 event. Only 500 tickets are being sold. The winner (who does not have to be present to win) will get the choice of one of five trips: Cancun paradise vacation, Lake Tahoe getaway, discover the road with an RV, NASCAR driver for a day, and Fairmonts at Victoria and Vancouver, Canada. The winner has until July 2023 to take the trip.
To buy a raffle ticket, contact Colglazier at 970-854-2241 or 970-580-2238 or MMHF board members Paula Carper, Sarah Bornhoft, Alison Fust, Harry Kinner, Tina Looka, JR Myers or Kim O’Neill.
Those who are not able to attend the event but who would like to donate to the fundraising efforts or specifically to the hi-lo exam table should call Colglazier at 970-854-2241 or 970-580-2238.