The JM Foundation held their Annual Fundraiser on Friday, April 8 at 6:00 pm at the Dawson VFW. The event name was changed from a Gala to a BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare) because it better reflects the mission of the JM Foundation. The Kentucky Derby theme proved popular with the majority of the 150 people in attendance wearing derby hats and attire. The fundraiser included live music by Mill Pond Jazz Duo, a wonderful meal by Trish’s Katering, and fun specialty drinks by the VFW.
Attendees were encouraged to check out the wine pull, silent auction, and vote for the best hat or costume. New this year, was Plinko. Everyone who played was a winner. 
The evening kicked off with the unveiling of the new care center building. This fall JMHS will begin building a new care center for our community. It will feature 56 private rooms that include a private bathroom and shower! The new care center incorporates the popular neighborhood concept, which provides a homier atmosphere and quieter living areas. Resident rooms will be split into two neighborhoods that house a kitchen with dining areas, spa and quiet spaces designed with more privacy for visiting. The additional storage means that equipment will be hidden making it feel more like a home.
A Town Square will be located at the new care center entrance and will serve as the hub for resident activity. It will include a large activities area and chapel as well as a Café/Pub. The town square will also house a beauty shop, two guest suites and will be connected to both the clinic/hospital and assisted living. Artist renditions of the plans were displayed throughout the evening. Everyone was encouraged to review the plans and ask questions.
At the end of the evening the silent auction, wine pull, and costume winners were announced. Dwayne Johnson and Randy Fjerkenstad each won $50 in chamber bucks from the wine pull. Megan Lynch and George Thesing won best female and male in the costume contest. Both won $20 in chamber bucks.
The wine pull, Plinko, silent auction, ticket sales and sponsorships raised over $13,000!!!! This is the most money raised at our annual fundraiser by several thousand dollars! The JM Foundation is extremely grateful for the overwhelming community support. It would not have been successful without the generosity of the BASH sponsors and donors.
A special thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, participated in Plinko and the wine pull, and purchased silent auction items. Auction items were purchased by Jill Christie, Wanda Coon, Dr. Larry Grong, Clyde Dessonville, Monica Dessonville Kim Miller, Lori Andreas, Jan Larson, Kristyn Wicht, Carla Lee, Kris Munger, Dean Solem, Diane Bergeson, Jeff Wicht, Judy Kunde, Tu Ann Johnson, and Stacey Lee.
Proceeds of this year’s BASH will be used to help purchase some of the bells and whistles (the fun stuff) for the new care center. Last year your generous donations along with grant money allowed JMHS to purchase new High Definition (HD) Endoscopy Equipment used to do Colonoscopies and Gastroscopies. This equipment is the best offered in the industry.
JM Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization that encourages people to remember JMHS in their trusts, wills, estate planning, and memorials. Contributions made to the Foundation are tax-deductible charitable donations. Past projects include the pediatric hospital room, exercise equipment for the care center rehab room and the oncology suite. If you have questions or would like to donate money to the JM Foundation, please contact Kristyn Wicht at 320-312-2111.