Philanthropy with flare

More than 270 guests, many dressed in flamboyant 1980s era Miami Vice attire, celebrated philanthropy with flare Friday by raising more than $44,000 to support Respiratory Therapy Department upgrades at Memorial Hospital.
It was an evening of colorful fun, as the Miami Vice Gala drew the largest ever attendance for the Memorial Foundation’s annual signature fundraising event.
“We were able to raise significant awareness for the respiratory therapy and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services we offer at MCHI,” said ReeAnn Regier, foundation director. “The community support was overwhelming as we closed out the evening with $44,000 toward equipment and space for that department.”
Foundation board chairman Jason Schneider, decked out with a Don Johnson-like hot pink shirt and white blazer, helped set the tone with his attire as well as his introductory remarks.
“These improvements are designed to optimize patient access and create additional space for patient education,” Schneider told a large crowd gathered at the Farr Building on the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. “We are excited to offer our patients new state-of-the-art pulmonary function testing equipment that not only modernizes the diagnostic capabilities of the department, but also contributes to MCHI’s vision of providing innovative and compassionate care close to home.”
After a dinner catered by Nitta’s and live music from The Downtown Collective Band, the bidding began, which turned out to be as spirited as the multi-colored outfits filling the venue. A private suite for a Saltdogs game at Haymarket Park and a Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort package both topped the $2,000 mark, for example, while auction items like Murder by Chocolate went for $800 each and a pair of handmade copper tumblers drew a $1,000 bid. 
The final item of the night was a collection of hot pink flamingos. The price was bid up to $350 apiece, and when all the birds were delivered to their new owners the tally came to more than $2,700.
“We had a great night of fundraising supported by our community of family and friends,” Regier concluded.
Justin Wolf, MCHI’s CEO, said he appreciates the goodwill spirit of the evening, as well as the generous financial donations.
“This event means so much to MCHI,” Wolf said. “Over its history, it has funded countless projects that we would have been unable to afford without this tremendous community support. It is one of many examples of how our community supports one another.”
Jennifer Ryder, MCHI’s respiratory therapy manager, also addressed the crowd, explaining how the funds raised will benefit patients in need.
“Many may not be familiar with the role of the Respiratory Therapy Department, but I hope tonight you’ll gain insight into the vital care we provide,” she said. “Our team manages conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, sleep diagnostics, and respiratory distress syndrome across all age groups. Additionally, we handle advanced airway care in critical situations like shock, trauma, or postoperative complications, utilizing life-support ventilators. At MCHI, we’re privileged to offer state-of-the-art emergency medical care with the latest equipment.”
Ryser noted that MCHI oversees two pulmonary outpatient clinics, connecting patients with pulmonologists. Additionally, the staff administers a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program.
“Being a respiratory therapist is both a privilege and a crucial role and we’re grateful for the unwavering support of our community and organization,” she concluded. “MCHI boasts that ‘every moment matters,’ but in respiratory therapy we like to take that a step further and say that ‘every breath matters.’”