Life and Health

On April 5, the Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation welcomed a room full of donors, partners and community members to its 2025 Gala—The Sky is the Limit. It was a celebration of what we've achieved together and a look at the possibilities that still lie ahead. The atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude and excitement for the future of health care in Northeast Oregon.

The evening was not just a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for a shared purpose. We celebrated milestones that were once dreams and now stand as tangible results of your generosity and vision.

Honoring those who make it possible

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Foundation's Challenge Coin awards, a tradition that recognizes individuals and organizations whose contributions have been transformational.

This year's honorees—Burr and Donna Betts, MJ Goss Motor Company, Beth Earnst, and Patti and Mike Westby of Westby and Associates—have each shown a steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of our community. Their generosity, leadership and passion have inspired others to give and grow alongside them.

Celebrating milestones

The Foundation was proud to share the successful completion of Grande Ronde Hospital's 96,000-square-foot expansion—made possible through the support of our donors. This project includes new surgical suites, pre- and post-op recovery areas, and a beautiful new kitchen and cafeteria space. But more than just bricks and mortar, this expansion represents a leap forward in our ability to care for patients—today and in the future.

Equally inspiring was the news that, thanks to a groundswell of support, we've seen incredible growth—not just in dollars raised but in the number of donors giving. Each gift, large or small, has brought us closer to a stronger, more resilient health care system in our region.

Together, we've surpassed our original Healthier Together campaign goal of $7.5 million, with more than $1.18 million in new funding announced during the gala alone. These funds include generous grants from the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust; the Roots and Wings Foundation; The Ford Family Foundation; the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation; the Oregon Community Foundation; and gifts from individuals, families and businesses across the region. We cannot thank you enough.

Continuing the campaign

As we celebrated how far we've come, we also looked ahead. At the request of GRH leadership, the Foundation is extending the Healthier Together campaign to meet new and pressing needs that have emerged since the campaign began.

One of the most urgent is the renovation of our Family Birthing Center. Since fall 2023, births at GRH have increased by more than 30%. We are proud to now be the primary birthing center in Northeast Oregon, and we must ensure that our facilities reflect the exceptional care our staff provides. Enhancements to the Birthing Center will offer families a more comfortable, welcoming and technologically advanced environment during one of life's most meaningful moments.

Another exciting announcement: The Foundation will help support the purchase of a da Vinci surgical assist robot for our new surgical center. This cutting-edge technology allows for minimally invasive procedures, faster recovery times and enhanced outcomes for patients. It will also give GRH a major advantage in recruiting and retaining top surgical talent, helping ensure that world-class care continues to be available right here at home.

Taking the next steps

What began as a vision to expand capacity and access to care has become something much more: a movement. It is the embodiment of what’s possible when people care deeply, act boldly and believe that rural communities deserve the very best.

But we are not finished! The future of health care in Northeast Oregon is still being written—and your continued support is the pen. Together, we can build stronger clinics, provide cutting-edge tools for our providers, support education and training for our staff, and create spaces where healing and hope flourish.

Because at Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation, we believe that when we work together, the sky is truly the limit, and we are Healthier Together!

Save the date to golf for a cause!

The Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation is happy to announce the date for the annual Foundation Golf Scramble.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 6, to bring your golf buddies to the La Grande Country Club for golf, raffles, games and more—all for the great cause of supporting health care in Northeast Oregon!

Don’t miss out! Visit our grh.org/foundationevent for more details and to sign up when registration opens!

Categories: GRH Foundation