Festival of Hearts raises over $53,000 for BCC

BONNERS FERRY — The Fry Healthcare Foundation’s annual Festival of Hearts gala was a resounding success, raising a total of $53,047.50 to support the purchase of a new EKG machine for Boundary Community Clinics.

The sold-out event, held Feb. 17 attracted 125 attendees who enjoyed a lively evening featuring a dinner, live music by Courtney & Company, and a live auction, led by the Julia Kern of The Rusty Trunk. A highlight of the evening was the Dessert Dash, which raised an impressive $8,490 thanks to generous dessert donations from community members and businesses.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” said Danielle Larsson, Fry Healthcare Foundation coordinator. “Witnessing the outpouring of generosity at the Festival of Hearts was truly inspiring. Seeing our community come together, from our dedicated sponsors to the individuals who donated desserts, was a powerful reminder of the tremendous spirit and commitment we share for improving healthcare in our community. The success of the event and the incredible amount raised wouldn't have been possible without everyone's unwavering support. Together, we're making a tangible difference in ensuring the well-being of our neighbors and loved ones.”

The Fry Healthcare Foundation also presented the Heart of Community Awards during the event. These awards recognize individuals and businesses who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and generosity as valued supporters of the foundation in 2023. Their unwavering support played a pivotal role in advancing FHF's mission to enhance healthcare services in the Boundary County community, Larsson said.

This year's Heart of Community Award recipients include Fousts, Inc., Debra Moy, Edward Jones, Boundary Tractor, TrussTek, Beck's Furniture, Elk Mountain Farms, Life Flight Network, and the Hood Family, in memory of David L. Hood.

Organizers said the Festival of Hearts would not have been possible without the dedication of its generous sponsors which included Fousts, Inc., Houck Farms, the Lit Up Life with Debbie Heiser, Life Flight Network, Edward Jones, Elk Mountain Farm, Cabinets Northwest, Umpqua Bank, Alliance Title & Escrow, Auburn Crest Hospice, and Idaho Forest Group.

BCC officials said the new EKG machine will enhance Boundary Community Clinics’ ability to diagnose and treat heart-related conditions. In addition to this remarkable achievement, the Fry Healthcare Foundation has recently funded the purchase of new defibrillators for the Emergency Department, a CO2 incubator for the Laboratory, chairs for patient rooms, an echocardiogram transducer, new overbed patient tables, high seating chairs, a new ice machine, a pediatric examination table, and a barcode scanner.

"The new EKG machine, generously funded by the Fry Healthcare Foundation's Festival of Hearts, is a game-changer for Boundary Community Clinics,” Kim Vande Vegte, BCC clinic manager, said. “This vital equipment will allow us to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses for our patients, leading to improved patient outcomes and peace of mind. We are incredibly grateful for the community's unwavering support and generosity."

The Fry Healthcare Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Boundary Community Hospital and Extended Care Facility. For more information, go online to boundarycommunityhospital.org/foundation.

    (center) Danielle Larsson, Fry Healthcare Foundation Coordinator address attendees of the Festival of Hearts.