Press Release

Dr. & Mrs. John Garred, Jr. are Honorary Chairs of Poinsettia Ball

When Dr. John Garred, Jr. and his wife, Kate, attended the very first Poinsettia Ball they were newly engaged. Little did they know this event would become an annual celebration on their calendars. Now, they are serving as honorary chairpersons for the event that was started by Dr. Garred’s mother, Fern.

Both Kate and Dr. Garred, Jr. have worked at Burgess Health Center for 25 years. She is currently the clinical informatics specialist, but has served in many capacities since first starting as an RN. He serves as a general surgeon and medical director of numerous departments at Burgess. He also practices at the Garred Clinic in Whiting with his father, Dr. John Garred, Sr.

Serving others through healthcare runs in the family. After completing undergraduate degrees next year their twin sons, Matthew and J.T., both plan to continue graduate studies in healthcare related fields.

The annual Poinsettia Ball, sponsored by Burgess Foundation, celebrates its 27th anniversary this year with events on both Dec. 2 and 3 at the Onawa Community Center.

This will be the third year for the Holiday Brunch. This event was added for the 25th anniversary of the ball as a way for those who wanted to participate in this lovely affair, enjoy the holiday décor and bid on silent auction items during the daytime event rather than during the Saturday evening ball. Those attending the Holiday Brunch will gather on Friday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m.

The evening Poinsettia Ball follows on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. with delectable hors d’oeuvres catered by Staley's. Live music as well as silent and live auctions will be highlights.

The ball has offered an auction from the beginning to generate money to build up Foundation funds. But after a number of years, hospital administrators asked for contributions to be designated for specific projects representing some of Burgess’s greatest needs at the time.

Proceeds this year will help Burgess with funding for a digital portable x-ray unit. This dramatic upgrade is the latest equipment addition, providing excellent healthcare and exceptional patient experiences.

Dr. Garred, Jr. was one of the physicians who advocated for the purchase of this equipment. Not only will it help with patient care in the ER and inpatient area, it will also be a vital resource for doctors while performing surgical procedures at Burgess. No longer will providers wait up to five minutes for images; the new equipment will deliver the results in five seconds and instantaneously load them into the patient’s electronic health record.

Holiday Brunch reservations, if made by Nov. 23, are $35. Ball reservations are $50 per person if made by Nov. 23.
Those wanting to attend can make reservations online at wwwburgesshc.org, or by filling out a form that is available at the Burgess Health Center registration desk. Reservations can also be made by calling Shirley Bruegger at 712-423-9374.