Denim & Diamonds | Newman Regional Health

Denim & Diamonds raises $205,000 for Newman Regional Health

By Melissa Lowery Special to The Gazette, Aug 5, 2024

The 15th annual Denim & Diamonds surpassed fundraising goals for Newman Regional Health. Held at Webb Hall on the campus of Emporia State University, Friday evening’s sold-out gala event raised a preliminary total of $205,000.

Presented by Bukaty Companies and SpencerFane, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, dinner and a performance by Grammy-nominated duo Thompson Square. A silent auction and a live auction featured items ranging from signed sports and entertainment memorabilia to trips and excursions to local goodies. More than 20 departments at NRH donated themed baskets for the silent auction.

This year’s fundraising goal was $200,000. More than $160,000 had been raised before the first guests arrived, thanks to robust ticket sales and advance donations.

“I am in awe of the support and of the event as a whole. It takes a village and a huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped build this wonderful night,” said Saylor Middleton, event coordinator.

Newman Regional Health plans to invest over $4 million in capital purchases this year, including state-of-the-art technology, diagnostic equipment and facility construction.

The proceeds from this milestone year of Denim & Diamonds will be directed towards these projects and future enhancements in the facility:

Orthopedic robotic surgical arm, designed to enhance precision, reduce pain and allow for faster recovery times.

Advancing imaging capabilities and constructing a radiology fluoroscopy room to improve the patient’s experience and lower radiation dosing.

Advanced infant hearing equipment. Infant hearing testing is essential for the early detection and intervention of hearing loss, which can have a profound impact on a child’s language development, social-emotional well-being, education success and overall quality of life.

NRH CEO Cathy Pimple welcomed guests, thanking them for supporting the hospital’s mission to provide quality healthcare.

“Your presence demonstrates to me and everyone here your care and support for healthcare in Emporia. Your generosity helps us provide quality care to our community,” she said.

After thanking sponsors and other stakeholders, Pimple singled out members of the Board of Trustees who were present. They were each presented with a small token of appreciation – a magnetite stone.

“You might be wondering why we gave you a rock,” she said, drawing laughter. “It’s actually a stone, a magnetite stone. Known as the guiding stone, it’s used to remagnetize a compass needle. Your guidance has been vital and your legacy will be felt for years to come.”

Linda Kehres, CEO, Emporia Community Foundation, announced the creation of the NRH Legacy Fund, administered through ECF. A legacy gift is a planned donation from a person’s estate, creating a long-term impact for future generations.

“Newman is here for us today and your gift means they’ll be here for us tomorrow,” she said.

Jannette Luthi spoke about giving the first legacy gift in honor of her grandmother, Laura Luthi, who was the first surgical patient admitted to Newman, in 1922. Luthi said that was the beginning of generations of Luthis receiving quality care from the hospital.

“She began five generations of my family’s relationship with Newman. We are blessed to have Newman serving us. I hope to inspire others to consider what creating a legacy of healing and compassion might look like for you,” she said.

Taking a breath after the successful event, Middleton expressed thanks to her team and the community at large.

“We want to thank the entire community, the Newman family and our partners for supporting our mission to provide quality healthcare for Emporia. It was a wonderful night. The energy was high and there was a lot of joy to spread around that room,” she said.

Make A Donation