Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) was honored to host the Rose Gold Gala on Saturday, October 12^th. The event welcomed 140 community members, business partners, staff, and leadership for a memorable evening of dining, entertainment, and fundraising. With the generous support of the attendees, the event successfully raised over $49,000 to support WWH’s Medical-Surgical and Obstetrical departments, ensuring continued access to vital healthcare services for families in the region.

The evening began with a delicious 12-Foot charcuterie reception provided by the WWH Eatery, a silent auction featuring many wonderful items donated by business partners and community donors, and live entertainment by Chris Silver of River Falls. Attendees enjoyed a catered dinner by Vittles Catering, followed by a moving patient story that highlighted the impact of WWH’s services on local families. Beer and wine for the event were generously provided by Bill’s Distributing, and the stunning floral arrangements, courtesy of Sue Auld from Tulip & Crow, added a beautiful touch to the night’s décor. The evening was captured through the lens of Suzanne Wynveen Photography, whose talent helped preserve the memories of this special occasion.

WWH Board Chair John Buelow kicked off the evening with a heartfelt presentation, thanking the Morrissey family and Jordyn Mensing, WWH RN for sharing their personal experiences. Their stories underscored the importance of keeping WWH’s doors open and its services expanding, especially amid the closure of nearby birth centers.

“Our birth center delivered 276 babies in 2023, and we are on track to welcome over 400 new lives by the end of 2024,” shared Dr. Paul Boeder, OB-GYN at WWH, during his presentation on the importance of expanded obstetrical and medical-surgical services. He emphasized how the funds raised will help WWH serve an even broader community as nearby hospitals continue to close their obstetrical units.

The silent auction, filled with generously donated items, featured attendees engaging in lively online bidding. A final call for donations saw enthusiastic contributions from guests at various levels, each helping WWH build a healthier tomorrow, together.

The evening concluded with a compelling call to action from WWH CEO Eilidh Pederson, who shared that WWH’s board and leadership are making bold decisions based on the healthcare needs of the community, not just the bottom line. She explained how WWH is committed to being a positive disruptor in the healthcare industry, redefining rural healthcare by offering services equivalent to those of larger hospitals. With two surgical robots, exceptional providers, and a modern facility, WWH is positioned to meet the growing needs of the region. Pederson expressed her deep gratitude to the attendees, volunteers, and sponsors for their unwavering support. “Your generosity helps ensure that WWH can continue providing high-quality, patient-centered care to our community, from newborns to those receiving care in our medical-surgical unit”.

Western Wisconsin Health’s continued commitment to expanding its birth center and medical-surgical units is a critical response to the growing need for accessible, local healthcare services. With the funds raised, WWH can continue to serve the immediate and extended communities, ensuring the highest level of care for mothers, babies, and families.