Thursday, October 24, 2024 the Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation held their 31st Annual Gala at the Elms Hotel Resort and Spa. The Grand Ballroom was filled with health care professionals and local leaders, celebrating their work with award presentations and both live and silent auctions. In remarks made prior to the event, Foundation President Dr. Kent Powell shared that over the last 31 years, the foundation has raised over $2.8 million dollars for the hospital.
In the past funds have been used to purchase much needed equipment throughout the hospital, provide renovations, and offer funding for healthcare services. This year the money raised will go toward funding the expansion of the hospital’s employee’s safety alert notification system. Known as the Rauland Responder system, this device acts as a safety alert notification system. This device gives peace of mind to nurses, offering a one touch alert when there are problems that alerts the other medical staff that there is someone in need of assistance. Healthcare workers are exposed to difficult interactions at times and this technology offers value in their safety.
Commitment to Community
Special recognition was given first to City Councilmember John McGovern, with the Commitment to Community Award. In remarks given by CEO Kristen DeHart, she said, “If you ask anyone to identify a Community Champion, they will direct you to John McGovern. John has been a pillar in the community for all ages. He started prevention work during his time as the Police Chief in Excelsior Springs. He is a founding member of the Excelsior Springs SAFE prevention coalition and the national award-winning Northland Coalition.
Over the year, John has provided countless hours of service, most in roles that time him back to Excelsior Springs. Civic service is his stage, filling roles in the Chamber of Commerce, School Board, the Clay County Children’s Services, and most recently, elected to serve on our Excelsior Springs City Council. He is an advisor to many, a resource for funding options, a hands-on worker and friend to all. His work has assisted countless children and families in Clay County, and especially in Excelsior Springs, providing life-altering/life-saving resources.”
Up and Coming Award
Nominated
Jamie Cook, Primary Care
Tina Cook, Clinical & Community Education
Casey Kennedy, Patient Access
Susan Kirby, Psychiatric Services
Jessica Marshall, Revenue Integrity
David Miller, Psychiatric Services
Abaghale Morris
Drew Schoeneck, Nursing Services
Awarded
Skylar Donaldson, Outpatient Specialty Clinics
Skylar is a rising star at ESH. She is a fierce patient and staff advocate, always putting others first. She is a present and engaged leader, happily helping with anything that comes her way. Her co-workers are proud to work alongside her daily.
Jamie Farris, Nursing Services
Jamie is someone who genuinely cares about the people she works with. Her problem-solving skills have been a game changer for us, helping resolve the most difficult issues. Jamie is truly a gem, and always willing to help, 24-hours a day.
Karen Hammack, Psychiatric Services
Karen exemplifies our hospital’s service values through her exceptional patient care, staff training, community engagement and commitment to her team. Karen is deeply invested in the program and her caring heart is recognized by all that know her.
Chance Storm, Human Resources
As the face of ESH for potential new hires and during their SERVICE values and mantra. Chance is everyone’s friend and promotes the best of ESH always.
Krista Stoufer, Social Services
Krista goes the extra mile for her patients and takes the time to identify their needs and wants. You name it, whatever the task, this girl has done it without hesitation and with compassion.
Dr. Josh Umscheid, Pediatrics
Dr. Josh is an amazing advocate for his patients and brings a passion and abundance of knowledge to his specialty. He fosters learning for nurses, patients, parents and family members. He is always open for new ideas!
Commitment to Caring Award
The Commitment to Caring Award recognizes physicians, employees, volunteers, and community members of the Excelsior Springs Hospital for their commitment to providing quality healthcare to our communities. Recipients were chosen from over 500 healthcare givers, based on one of the following: Commitment, Competency, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Enthusiasm, Initiative or Spiritual Guidance.
Nominated
Maria Abernathy, Primary Care
Kami Hollon, Outpatient Specialty Clinics
Courtney Jones, Radiology
Chris Wier, Lawson Primary Care
Awarded
Tiffany Danneman, Social Services
Tiffany is a compassionate co-worker who is always willing to help where its needed. She has taken the lead on several projects with enthusiasm and willingness to teach others as we all learn together. She is highly respected by all who know her.
Stephanie Oaks, Accounting
Stephanie has poured her heart and soul into the hospital. She plays a crucial role with our vendor communications and creates an environment of support and camaraderie, always going out of her way to ensure that her colleagues feel appreciated.
Teresa Short, Primary Care
Teresa has made a meaningful impact on hundreds of patients and families. She provides a solid support system for staff, acting as a resource going above and beyond, while stepping up to help without hesitation. The community is lucky to have her.
Joyce Teegarden, Outpatient Specialty Clinics
Joyce comes in with a smile on her face every day. She is a resource to all and has taken great strides to continue to learn and adapt to new systems, while helping others navigate their challenges. Many of her patients ask for her by name.
Director of the Year
Nominated
Frank Sanchez, Laboratory
Mendy Wibbenmeyer, Quality & Risk Management
Awarded
Amanda Romazon, Accounting
Amanda is a dedicated leader in the hospital and the community. She does not shy away from a challenge – she confronts them head-on. Amanda exemplifies qualities of compassion, integrity and a steadfast commitment to both the improvement of the accounting department and the hospital.
Kelly Stamps, Outpatient and Primary Care Services
We are incredibly fortunate to have Kelly as part of our organization. Her contributions have been nothing short of transformative. She leads from the point of giving grace, clarifying situations to better understand to navigate forward, communicating through the process.
Auctions
Micky McKown, local auctioneer with MAC Auctions, conducted a live auction with multiple large items up for bid. Zac Wilkins with Beatz DJ was also in attendance, providing the audio and visual presentation. The highlight was the signed Patrick Mahomes helmet that brought $4,200 and was won by Dr. Nolan Gartin. The Silent Auction also went over well. The hospital’s departments pool together to create a basket.
The goal for the evening was to raise at least $28,000 to go toward the cost of the nurse’s devices.