March 25^th, 2023, will be a strange anniversary or sorts, as the St. Mary’s Health Foundation will be bringing back their popular fundraising event; the SMH Mardi Gras Celebration. “It was exactly 3 years ago, just as we were preparing for this event, that COVID-19 impacted our world, cancelling our event as we prepared to face the unknown. We are so excited to host it once again,” says Lenne Bonner, CEO of St. Mary’s Health. “We are even more excited to reveal that the funds raised this year will go to a very worthy cause, a Mammography Truck of our own, which will enable us to offer greater access to this life-saving screening for our patients and across the region.”
Tickets are available for $50 per person and include a delicious catered prime rib dinner by RoDonna’s, exciting live and silent auctions, a dessert auction, casino games and more! To purchase tickets visit our website at www.smh-cvh.org. Tickets are also available at St. Mary's Health Cottonwood location at the front desk of the hospital.
“By supporting this event you can rest assured that your money will be going to a very important cause,” says Bonner. “As you may know, it can be quite a challenge in our region to ensure access to timely and convenient mammograms. St. Mary’s Health & Clearwater Valley Health currently contract with an outside entity for mobile mammography services; however, this service does not meet our patients’ needs, as we are unable to secure an adequate number of days and appointment slots. Due to numerous challenges such as competing priorities and weather, the schedule often changes and entire mammography days are cancelled. We are also experiencing a large influx of new families into our communities, and we anticipate even more patients needing this service.”
“Here’s the exciting news, The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has awarded us a grant of $400,000 towards the purchase of a mobile mammography unit. By owning, offering, and administering this critical service directly we can improve screening compliance and care management, enhance the patient experience, and save lives,” explains Bonner. “This mobile clinic will travel to each of our hospitals and, when feasible, to our remote medical clinics, increasing our ability to provide access to this high-demand, life-saving service.”
“The grant funding received from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is only about half the cost, though. The total project cost estimate is $964,000” Bonner says. “Our hospitals and Foundations have committed funds; however, with the financial constraints of the times, additional funds are necessary to make this a reality. Your support of the Mardi Gras Celebration will help provide greater access to excellent care and specialized services close to home.”
“We are again encouraging our corporate and business sponsors to come up with and donate live auction packages that feature exciting trips and/or experiences. This allows an opportunity for personalization and is a great opportunity for your business to be recognized publicly for your contribution!”, said Kim Johnson, St. Mary’s Health Foundation Director. Please contact Kim at 208.962.2100 or kimberly.johnson@kh.org  if you are interested in donating an auction item or package.
Tickets are going quickly so be sure to get yours and don’t miss out on this fabulous event!