Press Release

Poinsettia Ball 2006 Donors – Thank You! (PDF)

Burgess Ball Raises New Record to Benefit Patient Care

The 22nd annual Poinsettia Ball held this month in Onawa raised $26,000 for Burgess Foundation, a new record amount for the popular holiday event.

Some 200 persons enjoyed dinner, auctions, a string quartet and Beatles music band. Burgess Health Center employees in 20 departments donated baskets to the silent auction.

This year’s proceeds will fund the Bactec 9050, an instrument that provides a new lab test --- continuous monitoring of blood cultures. Burgess Laboratory will be expanding its space to provide advanced blood testing as part of a microbiology service.

“The ball is a wonderful way to raise funds to further enhance services at the hospital,” says Kara who is ball co-chairperson with Kim Gray. “People celebrated the holidays while also doing something good for the community.”

Guests and donors also raised $3,590 for a blanket warmer for the inpatient floor. Derek Cartmill and his wife made the first donation to the fund, and the Burgess Auxiliary contributed matching funds for the warmer.

“The blanket warmer challenge was a new event and gave everyone an opportunity to donate and do something beneficial for the hospital, especially if they were unable to win an auction item,” says Shirley Bruegger of the foundation.

“The ball is a special event we all look forward to,” adds Minnihan. “We are grateful for the support of our local and neighboring communities that makes our efforts all worthwhile.”

Last year’s Poinsettia Ball netted $22,000 for the hospital’s new automated medication dispensing system which is being used in the new patient addition.