Proceeds from Rice Health Foundation’s 2019 Gala will increase local access to cardiac care services provided at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital.

Your support will help expand services in Willmar so patients can receive prompt referral appointments, advanced diagnostic testing, and specialized care and management of cardiac disorders by cardiology a providers at Rice Hospital.

Rice Health Foundation held an annual donor dinner, Tuesday, May 14^th at Rice Hospital, to thank donors for their support.

The Tradition of Caring Award was presented to Roger and Ruth Gauquie. Roger and Ruth grew up in southwestern Minnesota, and have made Willmar their home for over forty years. They married in 1980 and have two married children and two grandchildren. Roger retired from Northern Factory Sales in 2018.  Roger served on the Rice Health Foundation Board of Trustees for nine years, ending in 2018. During that time, Ruth also volunteered, serving on the Silent Auction Committee for the Foundation’s Annual Gala.  Through their service, they learned of the many needs of Willmar and the surrounding communities. Roger and Ruth have helped support many projects, including Rice Care Center and Rice Rehabilitation Center. Accepting the award, Roger said, “We are proud to have been a part of an organization that has had a positive impact on the communities and lives of so many people. The Hospital and the entire medical community are wonderful, and that makes it easy to give to organizations that do good.”

Also recognized that evening were Dr. Amy Ellingson and Jonathan Kreps, for completing their nine years of service on the Rice Health Foundation Board of Trustees.

WILLMAR, Minn. (September 20, 2018) – Rice Health Foundation has named Tina Erpenbach and Kelly O’Farrell to the Board of Trustees.

Tina is the President of Northern State Supply in Willmar. She lives in Spicer with her husband David.  She has served the community as a past board member of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Grow MN Committee, Relay for Life volunteer, and is a KCEO mentor. Tina said this about her upcoming board service, “I look forward to serving on the board as the Foundation continues its important work of supporting and improving healthcare in our community”.

Kelly lives in Spicer with husband and two sons. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Valuation Analyst with Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing. Kelly said this about her upcoming board service, “I am looking forward to being a part of and continuing the tradition of providing excellent health care to the community”.  Her service to the community includes serving on the Steering Committee of Empower: Women United of the United Way of West Central Minnesota and Winged Foot Running Club Treasurer.  Kelly was the Chair of the Education Matters Committee for the May 2015 referendum vote and was a previous Board member of The United Way of West Central Minnesota and Junior Achievement.

ABOUT RICE HEALTH FOUNDATION

Through philanthropy, Rice Health Foundation supports the vitality and quality of care of Rice Memorial Hospital. In 2017, Rice Health Foundation provided $1,200,554 to Rice Memorial Hospital to support a variety of programs and services, as well as technology and equipment. A 12-member volunteer Foundation Board works with the staff to increase awareness of the Foundation, raise funds, and support quality local healthcare services.