Life and Health

For the second consecutive year, the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation held another record-breaking event, all in support of defining the future of health care in Northeast Oregon.

The gala event, themed "Then and Now," celebrated the Foundation's 55th anniversary and the next milestone in its support for patient care. The Foundation Gala began in 2017 and is returning from a multiyear hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To accommodate pandemic restrictions, outdoor fundraising events were held during this season, temporarily replacing the grand Gala.

Tripling last year's total

Foundation Manager Patrick Flynn says this year's goal was to announce more funds raised than the previous year's event at the Union County Fairgrounds.

"Last year, we raised $240,000, which was great to be a part of, but I wasn't ready for what we did this year," Flynn says. "The event raised over $708,000 that night; it was amazing!"

Flynn explains most of the total came from a paddle raise appeal at the end of the evening, which produced $674,200. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Healthier Together campaign, which is now at $6.6 million of its $7.5 million goal. Flynn credits the community's generosity: "It's been great to have the opportunity to work with our new and established donors, and it shows that people are willing to engage with us to ensure health care remains strong and independent in our rural communities."

The Healthier Together campaign was launched in 2023 to catalyze Grande Ronde Hospital's future capacity and facility expansions, starting with the Facilities Expansion Project, currently under construction.

The Project will house a new and expanded Surgical Services department, among other departments.

Flynn also mentions that the impacts of the campaign do not stop once the new building is complete. "This campaign's benefits will have an effect for years to come," he says. "With the expansion of more services and departments down the road and a future expansion of the Regional Medical Clinic on Fourth Street in La Grande, we hear and understand the needs and feedback our community has been sharing with us."

The Foundation plans to continue fundraising efforts through April 2025. If the goal of $7.5 million is exceeded before then, it will only increase the organization's ability to further impact health care in Northeast Oregon.

Stay tuned for information about the golf scramble!

The weather is warming up, and it is time to start thinking about golf! The Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation's annual golf scramble will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the La Grande Country Club. Be sure to check grh.org/foundationevent for news and sign-ups!

Categories: GRH Foundation