Ball makes big impact
Record proceeds to be used for new equipment
Representatives from the Morris Hospital Auxiliary 2012 Ball Committee recently presented a $110,000 gift to Morris Hospital as a result of proceeds from the 2012 Auxiliary Ball, held this year on March 3 at the Patrick Haley Mansion in Joliet. Proceeds will be used toward the purchase of a new cardiac catheterization table and digital radiographic system for Morris Hospital’s cath lab.
While this was the third time in the Auxiliary Ball’s 44-year history that proceeds exceeded the $100,000 mark, the 2012 ball proceeds topped the charts.
At the ball, guests viewed a video that focused on the long standing history of philanthropy that Morris Hospital has enjoyed dating back to the early 1900s. The presentation made a case for the need for the cardiovascular equipment that is used in both emergency and non-emergency situations to assess the health of the heart and surrounding arteries. The cardiac catheterization equipment is also used to open blocked arteries during a heart attack.
“While the current cath lab remains fully functional, it has been in place since we began offering the services in 2002,” said Julie Wilkinson, Development Officer at Morris Hospital.
“Therefore, we must plan for new equipment to ensure that replacement parts are always available and also to take full advantage of recent improvements in technology. This project requires an investment of more than $1.2 million, and we are looking to the support of the community to help make it possible.”
Through the video, guests at the ball learned that over 6,500 patients have benefitted from the availability of cardiac catheterization services at Morris Hospital since 2002 and that Morris Hospital is the only provider of these cardiac catheterization services in nearly a 30 mile radius. The video went on to include photos and brief bios of a number of patients who have benefitted from the availability of these services at Morris Hospital.
“During a cardiac emergency, each precious mile and minute has made a difference for these patients,” said Wilkinson. “Behind each of these individuals is a spouse, son, daughter, grandchild, neighbor or friend who will be forever grateful.”
Community members who assisted in planning the 2012 Morris Hospital Auxiliary Ball included Steve and Kathy Barr, Debbie Bols, Kelly Bols, Barb Boma, Sandy Cannon, Becky DiVincenzo, Mary Jo Enrietta, Jessica Fox, Heidi Lawton, Judie Roth, Mary Michael Roth, Mary Olson, Lori Ortinau, Cheryl Tesdal, Tory Tesdal, Kerri Wickkiser and Wilkinson.
Table sponsors were Anesthesia Consultants, Block Electric Company, Bernie and Debbie Bols, John andNoreen Dollinger, Drinker Biddle andReath, Epic Group (Morris Hospital Emergency Physicians), First Midwest Bank, Grundy Radiologists, Kurtz Ambulance, Northwestern Mutual (Michael Brenczewski), Standard Bank, Strategic Sourcing Results, Talty Chevrolet Buick Cadillac Inc., Walnut Grove Village, and Brian Zabel and Associates.
The Morris Hospital Foundation will continue to raise funds toward the $1.2 million lifesaving cardiac equipment. Visit morrishospital.org/foundation To view the “Morris Hospital Cardiac Cath Case for Support” video shown at the ball.