For nearly three decades, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation has carried on the tradition of hosting an Annual Benefit – Golf Tournament, Dinner, and Auction in support of Clara Barton Medical Center. Although the last few years have been challenging navigating COVID, this event continues to be a vital form of support for Clara Barton and their various projects. This year, Clara Barton supporters and the surrounding communities rallied together, “Making a Real Impact” and raising $79,750 in support of the MRI Square Foot Campaign.
On Friday, June 17th the event kicked off at 7 AM with the golf tournament at Lake Barton Golf Course. A record turnout of 36 teams participated in this year’s tournament, golfing in three flights for the four-man scramble. The golfers also participated in many competitions throughout the day, including a hole-in-one contest, sponsored by Ehler Chevrolet Co., as well as eight-hole contests sponsored by Cardinal Pharmacy.
The benefit event then continued on Saturday, June 18th at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hoisington with a dinner, sponsored by Nex-Tech and Nex-Tech Wireless, and both a live and silent online auction – allowing those in attendance to have exclusive access to bid on certain special packages, while allowing anyone, anywhere to participate and bid on online silent auction items. Last year’s auction had to be entirely online, raising $24,901 to expand the pharmacy and increase safety and efficiency for all involved. Whereas this year, a good-sized crowd gathered for a night full of food, drinks, and fun, raising $35,525 for the MRI Square Foot campaign.
“It was such a relief to finally be able to celebrate with everyone in person this year, as well as continuing with an online auction option,” said Michelle Moshier, Foundation Director. “We are so thankful for all who supported and joined the Foundation, making a real impact and providing much-needed funding to bring MRI in-house and centralize all imaging services in one convenient location at Clara Barton Medical Center.”
Over the last several years, Clara Barton Medical Center has acquired several state-of-the-art diagnostic machines – such as DEXA, 3D Mammography, a new CT, ultrasound, mobile x-ray, and the latest acquisition, MRI – to provide their patients with a top-notch imaging center close to home. To offset the financial burden of the current expansion, the foundation launched the MRI Square Foot Campaign earlier this year, turning to Clara Barton supporters to help fund the space needed to adequately house this equipment and create the best imaging center in its service area.
The 29th Annual Benefit event played a crucial role in funding the space to house MRI. The $79,750 in proceeds put the foundation at 91% ($255,363 raised) of their Square Foot Campaign – with a goal of $279,250. In this campaign, as a symbolic representation of the costs associated with building the MRI space (1,117 sq. ft.), 1 square foot = $250, meaning another $24,000 (or 96 sq. ft.) is needed to complete the goal.
“Now, 29 years later, we understand more than ever just how important this event is for our organization,” said Moshier. “The amount of participation and financial support we’ve received is truly touching and we are very thankful we are able to continue our vision of quality patient care.”
MRI services will be available in-house after the expansion is complete and patients can look forward to several benefits including:
- Patient Privacy – secure and private locker space for patients to get ready and store belongings
- Shorter Scan Times – advanced software increases image quality and reduces scan time
- Larger Opening – 70 cm bore – the opening is 4 inches wider, increasing patient comfort
- Feet-first Imaging – many images can be performed with the patient going into the MRI fee-first
- Central Location – imaging services will be in one central location next to ancillary services, improving patient flow
- Enhanced Space – MRI space will nearly triple to 1,117 square feet, compared to the cramped MRI truck
- Free Breathing Techniques – many of the exams can be performed without the need for patients to hold their breath
With your help, expanding and enhancing Clara Barton’s diagnostic services will allow their organization to better meet the ever-growing needs of the community. After the expansion, the imaging center will cover a total of 5,680 square feet and offer CT, digital radiography, 3D mammography, MRI, interventional radiography, DEXA, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.
To learn more, view the YouTube video about the project at https://youtu.be/XJVxGnJfygE, or if you would like to support the Foundation and contribute to the MRI Square Foot Campaign visit www.clarabartonhospital.com/donate. Donors who contribute $500 or more will be recognized on a new donor plaque that will be located near the imaging wing. If you have questions about this campaign, call the foundation office at 620-292-0814.
