Our Corner
The people of the Plateau never cease to amaze me. The giving that goes on in our communities is second to none.
Friday evening, the Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation hosted its annual Holiday Fantasy Dinner and Auction at Emerald Downs in Auburn. As a board member I can assure you we were all concerned about how the economy would affect the auction and the funds raised during the evening of holiday fun.
The procuring of items during the past six months was very slow and many of you who donated were concerned about your business, the economy and the coming holiday season. But, in the end, most of you were able to step up and donated items like trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Palm Springs, Leavenworth and the Salish Lodge, snowmobiling in Cle Elum and many other fascinating packages, baskets and bobbles.
I must have put my bid in on about 20 silent auction items, as the quality of the items were incredible. Luckily, I only purchased six items but they look great in my home.
There were 33 live auction items and nearly all of them went for more than face value. The generosity of the people who attend Holiday Fantasy and support the Foundation is truly a unique situation born of local people who believe and support local organizations.
A perfect example of this support is the Fund-an-Item. This year’s item was a cardiograph machine that provides “noninvasive hemodynamic parameters.” This is the latest in technology and the people of the Plateau should not have to travel to another hospital to have the opportunity to use this technology. The cost of this machine is $41,000 and in a show of community spirit Mutual of Enumclaw contributed $10,000 toward this item. The rest was raised by each and every one of us attending that night giving an individual donation toward the purchase of the item. A huge thank you to Mutual of Enumclaw for its generosity.
Not only did the event raise money for the Enumclaw Region Healthcare Foundation and the Enumclaw Hospital, but it provided a wonderful evening that included the traditional holiday fanfare, holiday music, an excellent dinner and spirited fellowship with friends and associates. More than 265 people attended the event and some 40 volunteers helped make the evening special.
If you were not able to attend but would still like to make a contribution to the Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation just call 360-802-3206. It truly is the reason for the season, giving to those who are in need.
