Mercy Washington Biennial Fundraiser Goes Virtual

WASHINGTON, Missouri - Due to a recent rise in the number of COVID-19 infections in our area, and after thorough consideration by hospital and clinic leaders, the difficult decision was made to adapt this year's Mercy Health Foundation Gala to an entirely online platform running now through the end of October.

The gala, co-chaired by Kurt and Kim Voss of Washington, was originally scheduled to take place Oct. 8 at the Country Club of St. Albans.

"This biennial, black tie event is always the talk of the town," said Lesli von Seelen, director of Mercy Health Foundation Washington. "Although we're disappointed that we cannot gather in person to raise funds for Mercy Hospital Washington's McAuley Clinic, we know it's the right thing to do to protect our guests and our community."

"The planning committee has worked very hard to reimagine a way that can still meet the original goals we set to support the McAuley Clinic at our hospital," Mr. Voss shared. "The COVID-19 pandemic didn't make the need go away, it just made it more difficult to reach our community for support."

The online fundraiser opens the possibilities of giving to those who want to help the McAuley Clinic at any level, including many who may not have attended the gala in the past.

Mercy Health Foundation Washington Gala

Shifting from a black tie event to a virtual event, co-chairs Kurt and Kim Voss share why your gift can make an impact no matter how funds are raised.

Mrs. Voss added, "We want to make it easy for those interested in supporting underserved patients in our community; the online Fund-A-Need program delivers. Anyone interested in making a gift can visit give.mercyhealthfoundation.net/WashGala2021."

Recognized as a Rural Health Clinic, the McAuley Clinic is located in the doctors building at Mercy Hospital Washington and offers pediatric and adult primary care, women's health services, behavioral health and dental services to uninsured and underinsured members of the community. It's staffed by a team of nine physicians, a dentist and mid-level providers who treat almost 22,000 patients each year, regardless of their ability to pay, resulting in more than $1.1 million in charity care to the neediest in the Franklin County community.

"Behavioral health care has always been one of the most used services in the McAuley Clinic, and the pandemic has intensified that need. Gifts to this fund will help us continue to deliver care to families who are struggling with poverty, addiction and mental illness," von Seelen commented. "Our caring team of providers in the McAuley Clinic work tirelessly to help patients fill out paperwork and connect them to the resources to improve the physical and mental health of their families."

To refer a patient to the McAuley Clinic, please call 636-239-8585. To make a gift to support the McAuley Clinic, please click here or call 636-239-8882.

"Help us deliver hope in our community to those who need it most," the Vosses urged.

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