Photo caption: The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation hosted a successful Charity Open with support from Jeff and Andrea Nuss, (right) as senior chairpersons, and Dr. Michael and Leslie Vander Kooy joining as junior chairpersons (left).
The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation recently hosted its 36th annual Charity Open, presented by the Michels Corporation, celebrating another successful year supporting local hospice and cancer patient care. Since 1989, the Charity Open has raised more than $7.6 million. Thanks to the generosity of those attending and sponsoring the event, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation raised approximately $455,000. Proceeds from this year’s event are supporting SSM Health at Home Hospice and SSM Health Cancer Care services within the greater Fond du Lac area – helping ensure that all patients have access to these vital services regardless of their ability to pay. “Our hospice team supports our patient’s last days by offering comfort and dignity,” according to Kim Laws, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation director of development and interim leader. “Our goal is to provide this service regardless of the family’s ability to pay. “By supporting cancer care, we are helping provide the tools, training, and technology our team needs to deliver exceptional care,” Laws adds. “This includes patient-centered treatment programs, innovative technologies, caregiver training, preventive care programs, patient support, and more.”
As with previous years, the evening dinner featured the story of a local family benefiting from SSM Health at Home Hospice care. “This year, we were honored to share the story of Jeff Faris,” Laws says. “Through his beautiful family, his businesses and community support, Jeff touched the lives of many. We appreciate Jeff’s family, who have opened their hearts, for sharing his legacy with us, to help us raise funds to support hospice and cancer care for all who need these vital services, regardless of their ability to pay.” Hospice and cancer care are two services that you pray you and your family will never need,” according to Laws. “Even just the words can evoke emotion and uneasiness. But for those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis or have had a loved one pass with the assistance of our hospice services, you likely recognize how truly blessed this community is to have this incredible care available to us and those we love. “Our teams are dedicated to offering the highest quality of care for both the patient and their family members,” Laws adds. “We hear every day from many grateful patients who share their appreciation for the care they received from one of our team members – whether a physician, nurse, frontline caregiver, support staff or volunteer. Something that is just instinctive for so many of our care team.” The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation Charity Open was led by Jeff and Andrea Nuss as senior chairpersons, with Dr. Michael and Leslie Vander Kooy joining as junior chairpersons. This year’s major sponsors were: Michels Corporation, Anthony P. Brzezinski Foundation, Jack Twohig Carpet One, Holiday Automotive, Stuarts Landscaping & Garden Center, Inc., C.D. Smith Construction, Inc., Lakeside Wealth Management, LLC, Quest Interiors, and TTI, Inc. To learn more, call 920-926-5418.
