Heather Thompson talks about her experiences with Rice Memorial Hospital from 10 years ago to recently with her father’s cancer diagnosis and passing in June.
Diabetes Camp Scholarships available
Rice Health Foundation is pleased to offer four full scholarships to youths with diabetes in the Kandiyohi County area who wish to attend the American Diabetes Association’s Camp Needlepoint and Camp Daypoint, in Hudson, Wisconsin.
These scholarships are made possible with funds from Jeremiah Fostervold Diabetes Endowment which was established by Jeremiah’s family to provide financial help to youth with diabetes, so that they may enjoy the same camp experience as other children their age.
For a camp brochure and information about the four full scholarship opportunities available through Rice Health Foundation, please call Rice Health Foundation at 320-231-4141 to notify us of your intent before July 3rd. For more information about ADA’s Camp Needlepoint and Camp Daypoint, or other Diabetes Camps, call Carol Holten at 1-888-DIABETES, ext. 6596.
Red Hot Happy Hour – Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a heart-healthy girls’ night out on Thursday, February 6. Over 200 women packed the Willmar Holiday Inn and Conference Center for a glass of wine, appetizers, “boothtique” shopping at over 20 vendors, and the opportunity to gain heart-healthy tips from Rice providers about nutrition, exercise, and stress relief.
Boothtiques
- Beauti Control
- Bellaforma, Rice Home Medical
- Bittersweet Autumn
- Fabulous Finds
- Fairwinds
- Glacial Ridge Winery
- Jacks Coffee, New London
- Lovely Lashes by Michelle
- Marge’s Floral
- Mary Kay
- Muddy Paw Ceramics
- Origami Owl
- Premier Designs
- ReYou Wellness Program from Rice Memorial Hospital
- Simply Said
- Skinluxe MedSpa
- Sweet William’s Truffles
- Tastefully Simple Tracy Bjork Woodworks
- Two Farm Girls
- Willmar Community Owned Grocery
- Young Living Essential Oils
This community event celebrates Women’s Health and is sponsored by Rice Memorial Hospital and the Rice Health Foundation. Call 231-4141 for more information.
Thank you!
Proceeds from the 2013 Holiday Festival exceeded our goal of $140,000.00 and will be used to purchase new technology for improved breast diagnostic services at Rice Memorial Hospital. Your generous financial support, and deep commitment of time and talent, will make a tremendous difference for every single patient who will undergo a breast cancer diagnostic process.
Special thanks to the Pierce Family Foundation for their gift to underwrite this year’s Holiday Festival.
VIEW THE PHOTOS!
PRESENTING SPONSORS
$2,000 +
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Affiliated Community Medical Centers
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Chappell Central, Inc
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Family Practice Medical Center
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J.E. Dunn Construction
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Lakeland Broadcasting
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Rice Memorial Hospital Medical Staff
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Taatjes Financial Group
PREMIER SPONSORS
$1,500 – $1.000
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CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center
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Duininck, Inc.
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Family Eye Center
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Family Surgery Center
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Home State Bank
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J.D. Kreps Financial Group, Inc.
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Janning Ear, Nose & Throat Center, LLC
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Minnesota Pathologists Chartered
- Quam Construction Company, Inc.
PLATINUM SPONSORS
$1,200 – $1,499
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Heritage Bank
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Jennie-O
GOLD SPONSORS
$900 – $1,199
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Bremer Bank
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Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
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Johnson, Moody, Schmidt & Kleinhuizen PA/Attorneys at Law
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Medica
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Medline
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Northern Factory Sales, Inc
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Perkins + Will
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University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
SILVER SPONSORS
$600 – $899
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Bollig, Inc.
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EideBailly Certified Public Accountants
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Drs. Anita and Ken Flowe
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Lake Region Bank
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Marsh USA Inc.
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McGladrey LLP
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Steve and Connie VanDerBill Medin
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Northern States Supply
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Oral-Facial Surgery, P.A.
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Plumbing & Heating of Willmar, Inc.
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Rambow
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Dr. Wilson and Barbara Salter
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Michael and Rayette Schramm
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Suburban Radiologic Consultants, LTD
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Turbo Turf
BRONZE SPONSORS
$300 – $599
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Dr. Douglas W. Allen
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Allergy & Asthma Specialty Clinic
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Anderson, Larson, Hanson & Saunders
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Clayton and Nona Anderson
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David and Susan Anfinson
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Bennett Office Technologies
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Greg Brock Consulting
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Center for Diagnostic Imaging
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Century 21 Kandi Realty, Ltd.
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Concorde Bank
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Conway, Deuth, & Schmiesing, PLLP
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Jan and Hans Dahl
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Bob and Patti Dols
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Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Duininck
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Dunham
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Gardner & White – A Division of
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Gallagher Benefit Services
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Insurance by Strehlow
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Dr. Philip and Florine Iverslie
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Kandi Roofing Company
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Kevin Hallstrom DDS
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Leonard, Street and Deinard
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Mary and John Lindstrom
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Loren and Smitty Luschen
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Dorothy Timm Meili
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Mercer Health & Benefits LLC
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Michael R. Gardner, D.D.S.
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Midwest Urologic Stone Unit
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MMIC
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Michael and Emilie Nicklawsky
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Randall and Mary Jo Patton
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Jon and Sophie Pederson
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Piper Jaffray & Co.
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Steven and Dawn Renquist
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Ross G. Olness DDS PLLC
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Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar
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Cooperative
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Nathan and Wendy Streed
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Dr. Jim Michels and Colleen Thompson
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Michels
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Dr. Jim and Marilynn Tiede
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Tree-n-Turf
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Dr. Kevin and Sandi Unger
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United FCS
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Universal Printing / Willmar Speedy Print
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Eric and Alice Weiberg, Raymond James
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Financial
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Wells Fargo Advisors
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West Central Sanitation
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West Central Tribune
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$100 – $299
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Boline Fenstra Chiropractic
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Lee and Sandra Duininck
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Walter and Raeanna Gislason
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Hansen Advertising, Inc.
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Hennen Furniture
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Jean and Todd Geselius
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Michael and Mary Hodapp
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Ron and Etta Holmgren
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James Langmo
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Lee’s Electric
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Life Link III
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Larry and Carol N. Monnens
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Alvina Munneke
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Suzanne and Marvin Napgezek
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Bruce and Mary Schweitzer
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Steven’s Shutter Shoppe
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Pastor Mari Thorkelson and Patrick Foley
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Robert and Joanne Thurston
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United Prairie Bank
GATSBY COMMITTEE
The Holiday Festival can only go on through the enormous efforts of a fabulous volunteer planning committee. They meet months in advance and bring dozens of other volunteers on board to make it all come together: decorations, sponsors, table setters, vendors, musicians, and more. They work long hours without pay, all to benefit the health and wellness of our community – hats off to this year’s committee!
Event Chair
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Jean Raatz
Committee Support
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Sandra Gardner
Data Management
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Linda Switzer
Entertainment
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Sandy Roelofs
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Rayette Schramm
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Wendy Ulferts
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Jacquie Johnson
Friends
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Julie Bateman
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Cathy Bays
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Lynn Stier
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Dayling Munoz Blanco
Gala Dinner & Luncheon Food
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Jean Lindemann
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Mary Ellen Zachman
Hosting Function
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Barb Swenson
Live Auction
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Shelly Huseby
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June Boie
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Shelly Woltjer
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Susan Anfinson
Publicity
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Joy Baker
- Darci Mohr
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Judy Tebben
Silent Auction
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Lara Duininck
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Cindy Mulder
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Barb Abrams
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Beth Johnston
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Chloe Quinn
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Jan Cole
Table Settings
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Candy Smith
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Sue Soderholm
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Audrey Nelsen
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Karla Tinklenberg
Theme & Decorating
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Jean Geselius
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Judy Treptau
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Deb Van Buren
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Merica Overcash
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Dayling Munoz Blanco
Thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their in-kind support and assistance with the 2013 Holiday Festival.
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Events by Beverly, Bev Dougherty ~ Linens & Ceiling Draping
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Fladeboe Auctioneers, Kristine Fladeboe Duininck
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North American State Bank ~ Tiffany-style Lamps
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Abeln Family
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Brian and Julie Asmus
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The Barn Theater
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Dennis Benson, Photography
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Perry and Marge Breems
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Shirley Carter
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Chaplain Beverly Crute
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Byron and Mari Damhof
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Kathy Dillon
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Jason Dougherty
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Bri Dyson
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Dale and Jonette Engan
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Fenstra Real Estate
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Dr. Ken Flowe
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Foundation Board of Directors
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Gala Dinner Guests
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Ruth Gauquie
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Luke Geiger, Graphic Design
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Pat and Larry Groen
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Donna Grover
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Holiday Inn & Willmar Conference Center Staff
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Hosts & Hostesses
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Jacquie Johnson
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Meg Junkermeier
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Selena Klein
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Ruth Koenen
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Chad and Angela Koosman
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Laurie’s Designs, Kim Brouwer
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Tori Leitch
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Long Lake Antiques
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Bruce and Gayle Marcus
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Rob Miller, IT Support
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Musicians
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Nate & Jessica Neal
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Sue Olson
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Amy Pawelk, Images by Amy Lynn
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Barb Piasecki
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ProColor Graphics, Matt Stark
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Robin Raasch
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Kevin Raatz
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Review Guests
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Linda Saunders
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Deanna Savoie
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Mary Seifert
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Table Setters
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Aane Twedt
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Shannon VanDeRiet
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Stacy’s Floral
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Weddings on First
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Whitney Music
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Willmar Car Club
- Matt Zupke
Rice Care Center offers dramatic change to the experience for its residents
By Anne Polta, West Central Tribune, Friday, July 12, 2013 —WILLMAR–The distances in the Rice Care Center’s newly renovated east wing are shorter for aging legs to walk. There are private rooms and baths, a dining room overlooking a garden, and a kitchen serving up meals and coffee whenever the residents want.
Most of all, the environment says “home.”When Bev Bruse accompanied a resident out to the garden on a recent morning to cut fresh roses, they began chatting about flowers.“I found out she really liked her gardening when she was at home,” said Bruse, the household coordinator for the skilled care facility’s east wing. Moments like this between residents and staff are among the many outcomes the Rice Care Center hopes to see as it makes the transition this year and next year into a redesigned facility.
The $6 million project is transforming not only the physical appearance of the 1960s-era nursing home but the resident experience as well. “It’s a total 180,” said Troy Barrick, Rice Care Center administrator. “It’s all for the residents.”
View the new campaign video
When you think about where you and/or your loved ones will receive long-term care, we’re certain you’d choose a place where your medical, emotional, physical, and psychosocial needs are compassionately met. A place you and your loved ones will be comfortable and feel proud to call home.
We invite you to say YES to a place where residents can live, laugh, thrive. Partner with us to raise $2 million dollars to ensure the environment of care is consistent with the quality of care you and your loved ones deserve.
Rice Foundation launches $2 million campaign for Rice Care Center
The Rice Health Foundation kicked off a two million dollar capital campaign on Thursday, February 28th for Rice Care Center, its long term care/nursing facility located on Willmar Avenue.
The renovation and expansion project is actually part of a larger construction plan that began in 2010. The first two phases of the plan included the construction of Therapy Suites, a 23 bed, short term care/rehabilitation facility located on the same campus as the long term facility. Therapy Suites celebrated its one year anniversary in August 2012 and has been awarded a national Citation of Merit from the Environments for Aging.
“We’re very proud of the work that went into Therapy Suites,” said Shirley Carter, Executive Director of the Rice Health Foundation. “Our patients love it, our staff loves it, and it’s making a definite impact on the short term residential care needs of our community. I think people have come to expect that when Rice does something, we do it right.”
The final three phases of the plan will cost $6 million. The plan includes extensive renovation and expansion of Rice Care Center. Rice Memorial Hospital purchased the long term care facility (which was then known as Christian Nursing Home) in 1994. The facility, which was built in the mid-1960s, has seen no major renovations since the original construction, almost 50 years ago.
“This is a project that’s been talked about by the Rice Hospital Board and Executives for a very long time,” said Carter. “With donor funds, we will finally be able to introduce the new industry standard of care for seniors in our community. This is very exciting!”
Perhaps no one is more excited than the residents themselves. Alvina Woltjer has been a resident at Rice Care Center for the past two and a half years. She has shared a double room during that time and is looking forward to having a room to herself. “Everyone is excited about the changes,” she said, “Especially the private bathrooms.”
Currently, Rice Care Center has 25 semi-private rooms with up to four residents sharing a bathroom, and everyone sharing two shower rooms and two bathing rooms.
“The facility was built during a different time… a different era,” said Troy Barrick, Administrator for Rice Care Center and Therapy Suites. “Today, seniors and their families are looking for a long term care facility that feels more like home and less like a hospital.”
Using feedback from residents, potential residents, care providers, and the community, Rice underwent a comprehensive market and facility assessment of Rice Care Center. And while it was revealed that the quality of care is second to none, the facility itself was lacking and obsolete.
The new facility will feature all private rooms with private showers and toilets. There will be 46 single occupancy rooms, plus two double occupancy rooms to accommodate couples. All rooms will feature the most up-to-date safety features for staff and residents, including an overhead lift system.
In addition, rooms will be located in neighborhoods with separate entrances for privacy and convenience. Neighborhoods will have gathering spaces for social activities, private events, as well as a beautiful garden to enjoy the outdoors.
Some community members wonder why private donations are necessary to help fund the renovation project.
“Rice Care Center is the only non-profit, community-owned, long term care facility owned by a hospital in our area,” said Carter. “Many people assume that because Rice is municipally-owned, it receives tax support from the City, but that’s not true.”
Carter goes on to say that community support demonstrates a shared vision of compassion and respect for seniors. “It shows that we care about their quality of life and what happens when they transition from home to long term care.”
Philanthropic support will also help reduce the amount of debt Rice Hospital will incur to meet this community need. The reduced debt will make the project economically feasible and free up resources for other health and wellness programs offered locally.
Barrick agrees. “As the Baby Boomers age, there will be a real need for long term care options in the Willmar community. In order for Rice to stay competitive and maintain our reputation for excellence, our community needs to get behind this effort. In the end, it’s a win-win for everyone.”
To date, the Rice Health Foundation is half way to meeting its $2 million goal. It has already received one million dollars in gifts, grants and commitments from Rice executives and directors, Foundation stakeholders, and private donors.
A $100,000 gift from the Otto Bremer Foundation was awarded on Thursday by MaryAnn Doyle, President of Bremer Bank in Willmar.
For more information, or to make a donation to the project, visit the Rice Health Foundation’s web site at www.ricehealthfoundation.org or call 320-231-4141.
2012 Holiday Festival Raises $115,000 for Rice Health Foundation
Everyone loves to have a good time, with good friends, for a good cause.
The community “stepped up” in strong support of Rice Health Foundation to raise a record-setting $115,000. With the help of many, many wonderful volunteers, and generous businesses and individuals, the Foundation’s 2012 Holiday Festival was a tremendous success.
The money raised this year will be used to create the new Activity Center at Rice Care Center and improve the caring environment for residents. This will be a comfortable, inviting space for multi-purpose activities and special events for residents, families, and friends. Group activities and gatherings offered in this room will bring life and laughter, and will help meet the spiritual, social, physical, and emotional needs of seniors in our community who reside at Rice Care Center.
The “Under the Big Top” theme transformed the Holiday Inn Conference Center into a magical vintage circus with a striped tented ceiling, clowns, a juggler, popcorn stand and a ring master. The two-day event began on Friday night with a Gala Dinner & Auction. On Saturday, guests could enjoy beautiful table settings, shop at a large variety of business vendor booths, listen to wonderful musical entertainment and enjoy a special holiday luncheon.