Union State Bank representatives Winfield Market President Cory Helmer, left, and Chief Executive Officer Eric Kurtz, right, present Tom Herlocker, center, with the 2018 Healthcare Hero Award. (Courtesy photo)
William Newton Healthcare Foundation hosted its most successful fundraising gala since its inception in 2007, according to a press release from the Winfield hospital Thursday.
The 11th annual event was held Oct. 20 at Wheat State Wine Co. The foundation raised nearly $43,000 towards the expansion of the surgical department at William Newton Hospital, which is in phase one of the hospital’s 10-year master facility plan.
This year’s gala theme was “Cheers to the Symphony of Life.”
“We want William Newton Hospital to be here for the next 100 years and beyond, so that our grandkids’ kids are taken care of when they need it the most,” foundation director Annika Morris stated in the release. “Together we can compose the future of healthcare.”
Social hour featured Bottle Service of Winfield and live music by Williams String Quartet.
Guests had the opportunity to bid on 16 silent auction packages, 14 live auction packages, and two mystery dinners.
Union State Bank presented its annual Healthcare Hero Award to Tom Herlocker of Winfield. The Healthcare Hero award is presented to someone who has made an impact on healthcare in the local community.
Winfield Market President Cory Helmer spoke on behalf of Union State Bank, sharing that as a William Newton Hospital trustee for 22 years and counting, Herlocker is “highly respected and treasured by his friends, peers, and fellow trustees.”
“A very compassionate individual, Tom Herlocker is a citizen who is extraordinarily involved in his community; his family members follow suit as well.”
Herlocker is an active member of Rotary Club of Winfield and supporter of many community efforts.
Helmer read a quote from previous hospital administrator Dick Vaught, “Tom has been a true pillar in the leadership of William Newton Hospital. He is an expert in healthcare law and has a keen understanding of the complex issues facing rural hospitals. He is a champion to all hospital employees and physicians and most importantly to providing outstanding healthcare to the communities we serve.”
William Newton Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ben Quinton remarked, “Tom is a blessing to WNH. He is dedicated, supportive, and committed. If people only knew the amount of time he’s put into his service; he has impacted so many lives by his work here.”
The foundation reported a record attendance at this sold-out event, welcoming 200 guests.
