SUMMER 2016 A Magnificent Mayfaire Amazing support from sponsors, guests sets stage for campaign to build new Emergency Department ust like the skilled team in Benefis The new Emergency Department will “On behalf of Emergency Services, J Emergency Services pulls together combine new construction with I wish to thank all who participated in to provide the best possible care for remodeled space from a portion of the Mayfaire,” said Kevin Langkiet, Director every patient who comes through existing department and adjacent empty of Benefis Emergency Services.“Our the doors, the generous and giving spaces. It will be more than double the goal is to raise funds for the new and size of the existing department, with 33 innovative Emergency Department, people in our community and region rooms, including several specialty rooms. and the generosity shown at this joined together to make Mayfaire year’s Mayfaire is a fantastic 2016 a wild success. Kevin Langkiet step in the right direction.” Mayfaire, the Benefis Health System Director, Benefis Emergency Services Langkiet said continued support from Foundation’s annual fundraising event, people in the community and region $ raised a record 607,938 to support the will make it possible to build the most construction of a new Emergency advanced Emergency Department Department for Benefis Health System. with the latest and best technology, “I am grateful for the support from equipment and skill level to serve so many businesses and individuals families, neighbors and friends again this year and thankful to all the throughout Northcentral Montana. The department will have a covered drop-off volunteers who came together to This year’s Mayfaire is a continuation of a entrance, an enclosed ambulance garage, help make Mayfaire so outstanding,” long history of local support for Benefis a decontamination suite and many more said Mayfaire Coordinator Kelly Michel. Emergency Services. It dates back to efficiencies and enhancements. The total “It was humbling to see the generosity when two Great Falls couples – from our community in support of cost of the project is around $12.4 million, this year’s important cause.” and philanthropy is going to play a key role. Continued on page 2 BENEFIS1 HEALTH SUMMER SYSTEM 2016 FOUNDATION GENEROSITY HEALS Benefis Health System Foundation Board of Directors & Staff Continued from the cover Officers A Magnificent Mayfaire Chris R. Reiquam, Chair Shannon E. Hoiland, Vice Chair Carter and Judy Williams and The Mayfaire net revenue of efforts to help with this project Bryce C. Graft, Secretary Keith and Olive Ario – came $256,038 was raised through that is so vital to our community Douglas M. Nicholson, Treasurer together following the merger of support of 67 area businesses and region,” said Benefis Directors Deaconess and Columbus plus the live and silent auctions, Foundation President Dan Hollow. Barbara L. Byrne Richard F. Doughten hospitals to make the lead gifts which included nearly 100 items, “We truly have the best donors Grant W. Eve for the then state-of-the-art experiences and getaways. The in the world.” ✦ Nora E. Gerrity, MD Emergency Room that opened in special appeal boosted the Dena Burnham Johnson Wayne E. Linnell 1998 on what is now the Benefis net by an additional $351,900 Dean A. Nelson East Campus. That Emergency in gifts and pledges for the Patricia T. Sletten Department now cares for more grand total of $607,938. G. Mike Tabacco than 34,000 visitors a year – up Diane M. Volk “The amazing support from 24,000 patients when it first Benefis Health System shown through Mayfaire opened, which is why this project Ex-Officio was an excellent way to Forrest G. Ehlinger, CFO is so important and was chosen William McGregor, MD kick-start our fundraising Benefis Health System Board as this year’s beneficiary. Founding Directors J. W. Bloemendaal, MD James D. Eidson, MD Gaee M. Ellis* Buzz Your Fuzz Organizer Grant Eve Joins Benefis Foundation Board Sandra L. Geske* Gregory J. Hatley Jane C. Hibbard* For the past few years, new Cancer Institute and the Fred “The more I find out about the Benefis Paul C. Husted Benefis Foundation Director Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Foundation, the more respect and Richard E. Lauritzen, MD Grant Eve has been involved with in Seattle, where his uncle was admiration I have for the organization,” Barbara L. Moe the Foundation in a unique way. treated. Last year’s Buzz Your Fuzz he said. “It amazes me ... all that you Nancy M. O’Brien M. Kathy Rice He and several friends have been raised an all-time high of $35,000. do there.” Shirlee J. Thiebes rallying people in Great Falls and This year’s event is scheduled for He and his wife, Mercede, have two Rodney C. Thorne other parts of Montana to raise Saturday, August 27, with the buzz young children, Mikah and Emmett. Evie A. Ugrin money to support cancer patients cuts starting at 4 p.m. Virginia H. Wieck Grant enjoys golf, water skiing and and research through an annual Carter Williams* “Grant has already proven his passion spending time with his family. ✦ Milton O. Wordal* head-shaving event dubbed for making a difference for others,” Frances M. Wylder Buzz Your Fuzz. said Benefis Foundation President *Deceased The local Certified Public Accountant Dan Hollow. “We are excited to have Benefis Health System started the fundraiser in memory of him join the great group of community Foundation Staff his uncle, Mike Eve, a Great Falls volunteers who serve on the Dan Hollow, President Sara Branom native and Whitefish resident who Foundation Board.” Judy Doheny passed away from renal cell Grant, who is a partner at Joseph Eve Mary Koppy carcinoma in 2009. Grant held the CPAs, is from Great Falls and received Kelly Michel event in Whitefish for two years Marilyn Parker his Master’s in Accounting from Sandy Ramstead before bringing it in 2013 to Great Montana State University in Bozeman. Stacy Rice Falls, where he’s continued to Along with serving on the Benefis Shelley Rossberg organize it annually. In that time, more Foundation Board, he is a member of Amber Steers than $100,000 has been raised and the Innovators Network at the Fred donated to the Benefis Sletten Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. 2 SUMMER 2016 Incredible Donations Draw High Bids in Live Auction An original oil painting by a famed artist. A custom-built water feature for your yard that you get to help design. A getaway to a tropical paradise with accommodations in a suite that’s beyond super-deluxe. This year’s Mayfaire was blessed with donations of many fabulous Mayfaire by items, packages and experiences, the Numbers including eight items that made this 67 business and year’s live auction over-the-top, family supporters raising $64,000. 220 golfers on Special for this year’s event, artist 55 teams R. Tom Gilleon of rural Cascade 706 guests served painted a scene from the a delectable meal by mesmerizing Hungry Fox Equinox Aramark/Benefis Food digital artwork that he and partners Services and volunteers donated to the Benefis Sletten in 23 minutes Cancer Institute a couple of years 90 volunteers ago. The 18-by-30-inch oil titled Hungry Fox Equinox: Northern Lights” was 87 silent auction packages classic Gilleon, evoking emotion with bold luminous colors and that mythical glow he 8 live auction packages does so well. The piece still smelled of fresh 48 gifts made during paint and drew spirited bidding, eventually the special appeal selling for $20,000. Dr. James Whittle and his wife, Kari, generously donated their vacation week at sun-kissed Cabo San Lucas in their timeshare at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, a luxury resort with a huge selection of pools blissfully secluded on a private coastal bluff. The Super Presidential Suite sleeps eight and has a large hot tub on the deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean during whale season. This amazing getaway sold for $6,250. Greenup Lawn, Landscape & Sprinklers owners Clockwise from upper left, Mercy Flight's Rosie Rosalez was James and Shannon Hoiland, who is Vice one of the spotters during the spirited bidding wars. Volunteers Chair of the Benefis Foundation Board, donated Stephanie Nelson and Roxanne Lamar show Tom Gilleon's a custom-built natural rock water feature with FX beautiful oil painting to the crowd; Mike Milburn visits with the artist; Cabo San Lucas; two Mercy Flight helicopter "training missions" were sold; a beautiful rock fountain was part of another great package. Luminaire lighting. The buyers, who paid $5,000, will get to choose the perfect rock for this relaxing and aesthetically pleasing addition that will transform The Live Auction also included a golf getaway to any backyard into a peaceful oasis. legendary courses in La Quinta, CA; a Top Gun military aerobatic fighter flight with an experienced pilot; and a The beneficiary department,Benefis Emergency poster of “The Godfather” signed by the director and Services, offered up the opportunity to participate in cast, all of which brought a pretty penny that night. a training flight with the skilled Mercy Flight crew. This priceless experience sold twice for $10,000 and $9,000. Thanks again to all of the donors, bidders and buyers for making the success of the live auction something to The generous Leslie Oakland Thomas family celebrate. ✦ donated back another priceless experience – the opportunity to see your favorite band or musician at your venue of choice in the lower 48 states, which To support the new Benefis Emergency Department, they bought at last year’s event but haven’t been you can make a gift using the enclosed giving envelope or able to use.