A new theme is not the only thing that is new for the Gothenburg Health Foundation’s 2023 Gala, which has become one of the social highlights of the year. The fundraising event will be Saturday, February 25 starting at 5 p.m. at Gothenburg Health and the YMCA gym.

Inspired by the architectural design of the main hallway running through Gothenburg Health fondly known as “the river,” the theme this year will be Rollin’ on the River. It will feature décor and apparel from the 19th Century on a Midwest casino riverboat.

The evening will begin with a casino and cocktail reception on the river from 5 to 7 p.m. that will include hors d'oeuvres, casino gaming tables, cocktails and silent auction items. Guests are encouraged to stroll the river and play the games for a chance to win larger prizes. They can also bid on silent auction items while visiting with friends over cocktails served by Fresh Seasons Market and hors d’oeuvres made by the Meridian Tap House.

A grand entrance will usher guests into the dining area where they will be served a prime rib or chicken dinner catered by Sandhills Catering. A new dining experience is being offered this year. Promenade Deck Suites will allow guests to have a private dining area with a bird’s eye view and personal server. Along with a live auction, the evening will feature an encore performance by Something Blu, a Nebraska-based band, who will provide live music throughout the evening.

This year’s Gala will raise support for the renovation, expansion and modernization of the Emergency Department at Gothenburg Health. Mick Brant, Gothenburg Health CEO, said the current Emergency Department was built in 2004 as a dual purpose space for emergencies and the specialty clinic. While the area is confined by the original building footprint, the clinical space will be increased by approximately 25% by reallocating space and gaining efficiencies.

The Emergency Department will add two modern-sized trauma bays that can be converted to three, two negative pressure exam rooms and an enhanced nurse’s station with line of sight to the main nurse’s station.

“This renovation will improve work flow efficiencies and provide flexibility in order to be patient and clinician friendly,” Brant said.

Sponsorships are currently being accepted until February 3 and offer different levels of promotion and tickets. Auction item donations are being accepted until February 10. The generous support of sponsors and donors will allow the Foundation to support Gothenburg Health in continuing to provide exceptional rural healthcare.

Back by popular demand, the Foundation will also offer a Chance to Win with a purchase of a 30 oz. Stanley Cup sponsored by The Home Agency. Participants will have a 1 in 150 chance to win a party bus for 8 to tour and sample local spirits and cuisines.

The price of tickets this year will be $85 and will be on sale to the public starting Friday, January 20. Tickets will be available online at https://www.gothenburghealth.org/foundation/foundation-gala and on social media.

For more information, contact Roxanne Converse-Whiting at 308-537-1051 or rconversewhiting@gothenburghealth.org.