Willamette Falls gala benefits the uninsured
Event raises $145K in one night

The need for medical services for the uninsured is great — and so is the generosity of the donors to the Providence Willamette Falls Medical Foundation.

That generosity was on display at this year’s “Gala at the Falls,” as donors raised more than $145,000 to support health care for uninsured residents. The annual benefit fundraiser, held Oct. 24, is the premiere community event organized by Providence Willamette Falls Medical Foundation — formerly known as the Willamette Falls Hospital Foundation. The black-tie-optional gala drew 230 patrons to the hospital’s Community Health Education Center and neighboring Abernethy Center in Oregon City.

Proceeds from the gala will be used to supplement startup costs for a free health clinic, to be named The Founders Clinic, in celebration of the history of community service set forth by the hospital’s eight founding physicians. The highlight of the evening was an appearance by two of those founders, William Pyrch, M.D. and Frank Bennett, M.D., who were acknowledged with a standing ovation.

This year’s gala theme was “Expect the Unexpected,” with surprises such as a flambé dessert prepared as bidding took place for it during the live auction. KATU-TV anchor Steve Dunn returned as the gala’s master of ceremonies during the dinner and live auction portion of the evening. Once again, auctioneer JillMarie Wiles led the bidding, with items ranging from luxury vacations to a five-day San Juan Islands cruise aboard a private yacht. A cioppinno dinner prepared and served by foundation board members brought the highest bids, selling twice for a total of $5,000.

Event costs were underwritten by sponsorships from many supportive local businesses. Morgan Distributing sponsored the reception and silent auction. Gold Sponsors included Krueger Medical Services and B&B Leasing; Silver Sponsors were The Abernethy Center, Skanska and LCG Pence Construction; and Bronze Sponsors were West Coast Bank, Kari Mitchell Accounting PC, Key Bank, Total Mechanical, Inc. and PKA Architects. BCT was again the Online Auction & Internet Sponsor.