EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo., October 16, 2025 — The ballroom at The Elms Resort and Spa was filled with warmth, gratitude, and community spirit on Thursday evening as more than 140 guests gathered for the 32nd Annual Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation Dinner. The event, a long-standing city tradition, celebrates local healthcare heroes while raising funds to enhance life-saving medical services at Excelsior Springs Hospital.
Dr. Kent Powell, chair of the Health Care Foundation, opened the evening by welcoming the crowd and expressing his gratitude for the support that has sustained the Foundation for more than three decades. “Tonight we’re not only celebrating 32 years of generosity, but also the incredible people who make health care in our community something truly special,” Powell said. “As you can see by this full room, this is the place to be tonight.”
He recognized the sponsors whose contributions made the evening possible. The Excelsior Springs Medical Staff served as the Platinum Sponsor, Pro Electric as the Gold Sponsor, and GFI Digital, Meritain Health, and Premier Specialty Network as Silver Sponsors. Bronze Sponsors included Brian Yarbrough with Edward Jones, Bukaty Companies, Chuck Anderson Ford, Donnici’s Italian Deli & Market, Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce, Excelsior Springs School District, Psychiatric Medical Care–Senior Life Solutions, RSM, and Stephen and Jeanine Stubbs.
Powell also welcomed special guests including Mayor Mark Spohn, Mayor Pro Tem Reggie St. John, Council Members Stephen Spear and John McGovern, City Manager Molly McGovern, Clay County Public Health Trustee Courtney Cole, and Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffey. Foundation Board members were invited to stand for recognition, and Powell gave special thanks to the auction team, Sydney Bauer, Samantha Hacker, Stephanie Oaks, Holly Roberson, and Amanda Romazon, for organizing the evening’s fundraising events. Guests then enjoyed a meal prepared by The Elms and took part in an extensive silent auction featuring items donated by hospital employees valued at more than $7,500.
Foundation Impact and New Investments
Following dinner, Foundation Board member Jeanine Stubbs spoke about the lasting impact of the Health Care Foundation, which has raised nearly $3 million since its inception. Stubbs noted that donations have helped fund vital equipment purchases, hospital renovations, and new programs that reach well beyond the hospital walls.
“This year, proceeds from tonight’s event will help fund the purchase of new patient monitors for our Emergency Department,” she said. The project, which will cost more than $100,000, is expected to improve real-time communication and patient monitoring during critical situations. “Your generosity tonight helps bring that goal within reach,” Stubbs continued. “It’s an investment not only in technology, but in the people who care for our friends, neighbors, and families when it matters most.”
Honoring the Hospital Team
Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart offered a heartfelt message of appreciation to the hospital’s employees, medical staff, directors, and trustees, acknowledging the teamwork that defines Excelsior Springs Hospital. “You’ve turned a hard year into a powerful reminder of what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in resilience,” she said.
DeHart shared that many of the silent auction items had been handcrafted or donated by hospital employees, demonstrating their personal commitment to the organization. “You continue to show up for this hospital, for our patients, and for each other,” she told staff. “Whether it’s working late, covering holidays, or volunteering in the community, you embody service. You are the life of this hospital.”
DeHart also praised the hospital’s leadership team and Board of Trustees for standing firm through difficult moments. She commended Board Chair Tim Pence and his fellow members for their dedication and courage. “When the storm hit, you didn’t run for cover,” she said. “You locked arms, stood your ground, and fought for what mattered most. Because of that, we stand here tonight stronger than ever.”
Community Commitment to Caring
Before the employee awards were presented, DeHart paused to recognize two community members whose partnership has made a meaningful difference for local healthcare. Courtney and Jason Cole, co-founders of The Excelsior Citizen, received the Community Commitment to Caring Award for their ongoing efforts to promote awareness, build partnerships, and tell the stories that connect Excelsior Springs residents to their hospital. The award honors individuals outside of the hospital who demonstrate exceptional advocacy and support for healthcare initiatives.
Recognizing Excellence Among Staff
The Foundation also presented three sets of awards recognizing employees and leaders who go above and beyond in their work.
The Up and Coming Award celebrates employees with four years or fewer of service who have already made a significant impact. This year’s honorees were Deborah Callaway (Nutrition Services), Tiffany Crowley (Laboratory), Melea Doolittle (Radiology), Amanda Findley (Psychiatric Services), Hannah Nowack (Patient Pre-Service), and Dr. Heather Wilson (Primary Care).
The Commitment to Caring Award, which recognizes exceptional compassion and service, was presented to Mallarie Collins (Patient Access), Aleasha Moffett (Radiology), Dr. Andrew Pickett (Primary Care), and Rachelle Woods (Outpatient Specialty Clinics).
Finally, the Director of the Year Awards honored John Freeman (Environmental Services), Laura Mercer (Dietary Services), and Angela Riley (Information Technology). These recipients were chosen by their peers for embodying servant leadership, creativity, fiscal responsibility, and dedication to the hospital’s mission and values.
As each award was announced, applause filled the ballroom, and families and coworkers stood proudly to cheer for their colleagues.
Auctions and Closing Remarks
The live auction was led by Jeff Faulkenberry, a longtime friend of Kristen and Rick DeHart and a well-known outdoorsman from the Truman Lake area. Faulkenberry brought both energy and humor to the evening’s bidding, helping raise thousands for the Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation.
The live auction featured nine high-value packages featuring sports memoribila, spa packages, and a fishing expidition led by Faulkenberry. The hospital staff’s themed baskets for the silent auction were a highlight of the evening, described by DeHart as “clever, colorful, and full of surprises, just like the people who made them.”
The evening concluded with a raffle drawing for a $500 cash prize, which went to John Freeman, followed by a final thank-you from the Foundation for all who attended.
“A huge congratulations to all of our award winners tonight, and a heartfelt thank-you to every one of you for being here, bidding big, and believing in the mission of our Foundation,” DeHart said. “Together, we are writing a story of hope, healing, and heart that continues to make Excelsior Springs shine.”
As guests lingered for photos and final conversations, the sense of pride in Excelsior Springs Hospital’s mission was unmistakable. The 32nd Annual Foundation Dinner was a reminder that the hospital’s strength in the people and community that continue to support it year after year.
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