Whether it is a wedding held in the hospital to ensure a dying mother can see her daughter get married or helping pay for a month of prescriptions so a patient can get home sooner, The Foundation of Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) plays a vital role in the exceptional care people across the North Country receive every day at the hospital.

Community members are invited to support that care and unleash their inner athlete during an evening of Olympic-themed fun at The Foundation’s annual fundraiser: Let the Games Begin. The event takes place Saturday, June 15 at 5:30 pm at 295 New York Road.

Known for its intricate décor and fun themes, this chic fundraiser is The Foundation’s largest of the year. Music from Big Show Productions, dinner catered by Fork & Knife Catering and live and silent auctions are among the many highlights of the evening. Some of the items up for bid in the live auction include:

• Official Olympic Team USA Oakley Sunglasses courtesy of The Spectacle Shoppe
• Diva Diamond Sterling Pendant courtesy of Payson & Stoughton Jewelers
• $1,000 Gift Card to Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel courtesy of Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel

Money raised from the event will go toward a number of programs that benefit CVPH patients, employees and the community. Korynn Boyea-Guynup, BSW, a social worker at the hospital, points to a wedding and reception held at CVPH earlier this year as a powerful example of how The Foundation and its donors support patients. One of the final wishes of a dying mother being cared for at the hospital was to see her daughter get married.

“We contacted The Foundation, and within seconds, they were telling us that whatever we needed, they would help with from food to decorations, anything. So we were able to set up the wedding in a couple of days. I will forever remember that, and I know the family will forever remember that,” Boyea-Guynup recalls. “It’s such a sad time to see a loved one pass. So to have that special moment before it happens and to be able to remember that instead of her passing, it was super special. And it wouldn’t have happened without The Foundation and the donors who come out to events like this summer fundraiser.”

In addition to supporting moments like that, The Foundation also helps fund purchases of state-of-the-art equipment at the hospital, programs ensuring a successful transition home for patients when they are discharged, continuing education and advanced training for employees, and initiatives geared toward improving the health of the community.

During the event, The Foundation will also celebrate Joseph Donnery, DPM as this year’s recipient of the Larry W. Jeffords Legacy Award. Dr. Donnery has been a generous supporter and champion of The Foundation in a variety of ways for many years.

“We also want to thank our many sponsors, 30 in all so far, who are graciously giving to support our patients and our health care workers. They are just as important in making a difference in the health of our communities,” Michelle Senecal, The Foundation of CVPH Events & Special Projects Manager, says.

Guests are encouraged to wear sporty-chic or Olympic inspired attire. Tickets are still available for the event and cost $125. They can be purchased on The Foundation’s event website. Anyone with questions can contact Senecal at (518) 314-3359 or email her: msenecal@cvph.org.