MMH Foundation 2024 Legacy Event a Success
“It was a beautiful event all the way around, and this was one of the smoothest events I have had the pleasure of working!” This was the assessment of the Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation’s President, Sarah Bornhoft.
Throughout the evening, participants expressed how much they were enjoying this year’s Legacy Event 2024, “A Black Tie Affair.”
There were some new experiences this year to include a professional photographer, live instrumental music during cocktail hour, and live vocal music during the meal.
This special evening was enjoyed by more than 300 beautifully attired people.
There were about 100 silent auction items that participants could place bids on and 27 live auction items. Even the silent auction items received compliments as people appreciated the variety of the items.
The live auction had a number of interesting, autographed pictures and song sheets, but the top autographed item was a Star Wars helmet with 11 signatures from stars and directors of the movies.
However, the top selling individual item was a donation from a previous foundation Executive Director, Cherrie Brown and her husband, Steve. They donated their cabin in Centennial, Wyoming which sleeps 14 people and has numerous amenities.
And there were two live auction items that touched everyone’s hearts. First, Emily Haynes was known for her award-winning cakes and pies, especially Angel Food Cake and each year she would donate a cake to the foundation for auction. In memory of her talent and kindness, Alison Fust, a MMH Foundation Board Member, made an Angel Food Cake; it was sold three times and raised a total of $3,250.
Additionally, there was a Krispy Kreme auction item in memory of Bryan Kroeger, another beloved Holyoke citizen that went to heaven almost a year ago. This item also sold three times and raised $6,800. Tammy Kroeger, Bryan’s widow, stated “This is more than amazing; I am so touched and thankful that Bryan’s life and his memory are still touching hearts and helping others.” The funds raised in memory of Bryan goes toward the hospital’s Nurse of the Year Program.
It was a truly special and enjoyable evening, and what makes it even better is that all the profits go toward improving the capabilities and training for our hospital staff as well as funding scholarships for local students who desire to go into a healthcare career field.
The donations are still coming into the foundation, and so far they total more than $110,000. This will allow the Laboratory to receive a Cellavision instrument which is used to differentiate blood cells in patient specimens and help to identify abnormal cells.
Additionally, the In-Patient Pharmacy will be able to receive a Commercial Refrigerator, which will allow them a larger capacity for storage of medicines for patients in the hospital.
This year there was a 50/50 raffle, and the funds raised from that will fund supplies for the Operating Room.
The Board Members of MMH Foundation wish to thank everyone who supported or attended the Legacy Event 2024. People and businesses donate items for auction, volunteers help set-up and serve the meal, others assist with decorating and clean-up, and many people and businesses purchase tickets to attend the event. Without this tremendous support from the community, these events would not be possible.