Hospital’s gala ball and casino night is May 17; funds aid cancer fight

MEEKER I On May 17, the Pioneers Healthcare Foundation (PHF) will hold its seventh annual Spring Healthcare Gala.
“This year, the event is about bringing more care to Meeker,” said Margie Joy, the executive director of the foundation.
“The foundation is excited to partner with Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) to secure the resources to make this happen,” she said.”
Pioneer Medical Center has been working with Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs for a coordinated care program to treat a variety of cancers and chronic diseases.
“We are thrilled with the community’s interest and support of this new program,” said Ken Harman, the chief executive officer of Pioneers Medical Center. “While we won’t be able to treat every type of cancer, we know we can treat several types of cancers and chronic diseases. Our collaboration with Valley View will only make our care better.”
All proceeds from the 2014 Spring Gala event will help support the specialized ventilation system needed to mix certain medications. It will also will help fund the out-patient treatment area for patients to receive treatment.
The estimated cost for pharmacy ventilation system, equipment and staff training for the chemotherapy and infusion treatment program is $350,000, Joy said, adding that the funds will be raised through a combination of grants and donations.
“We hope as many people as possible join us Saturday for a fun night for an amazing cause,” said Trina Zagar-Brown, chairwoman of the Pioneers Healthcare Foundation. “There will be dinner, dancing, casino tables, silent auction and a raffle to win a trip to Las Vegas.”
“The unfortunate reality is cancer is impacting all of our lives on some level; supporting this event is one small way to make a difference in our community,” she said.
Tickets are $55 per person or $400 for a table of eight.
A social hour is set for 6 p.m. with dinner to start at 7 p.m., catered by Halandras Catering at the Freeman E. Fairfield Center, 200 Main St. in Meeker.
Those interested need to RSVP to Jamie Becker at [email protected].
For more information about the Pioneers Healthcare Foundation or the dinner please call Margie Joy at 970-878-9317.