2022 Poinsettia Ball – Exceeds Goal Once Again!
The recent “Poinsettia Ball – Boots & Bling – It’s a Fundraising Thing!” was another huge success – grossing nearly $105,000 to purchase new endoscopy equipment for the Surgery Department. Endoscopy or “scope” is one of the most common medical imaging methods for screening and diagnosing conditions affecting the lungs, colon, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. On average, the Burgess Surgery Department performs 380 scopes per year.
“Our scope equipment is aging, and with a new scope, our surgeons can see images clearer and determine whether or not a biopsy is needed,” said Bobbi Johnson, Director of the Foundation. “In some cases, discover and even prevent some cancers.”
After being held virtually for the past two years, the Burgess Foundation’s 38th annual event offered two ways to enjoy and give this year. An online auction and the main event, held in person at the Onawa Community Center.
The online auction ran from November 28 to December 2, 2022, attracting nearly 70 registered bidders who enjoyed friendly competition, outbidding one another until the last minute on unique packages and items. On December 10, 2022, over 190 guests enjoyed an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy and enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live auction, and a DJ for entertainment. Neither event would have been as successful without the items and packages donated by local businesses, community members, and Burgess staff/departments.
“I am continually amazed by the compassion from our supporters and their investment in growing our healthcare services at Burgess,” added Johnson. “On behalf of the Burgess Foundation Board of Directors, we appreciate your commitment to our mission and couldn’t do it without you. Our heartfelt thanks to you all.”
The Burgess Foundation Board of Directors would like to extend a sincere thank you to each and every one of the donors, local business owners, corporate donors, as well as everyone who has supported this year’s Poinsettia Ball.