Spring BASH raises money for local oncology services

by Christy Parrott
This past Saturday, heavy snow did not prevent any of the like-minded community leaders from gathering at the Headwaters Center in Winter Park to raise funds for the Middle Park Medical Foundation at the 4th annual Spring B.A.S.H. (Building A Superior Hospital).

Vice President of Human Resources and Executive Director of Middle Park Medical Foundation, Jason Bryan welcomed guests as they entered a room lined with silent-auction items, including a spa day at Strands Salon, an off-road adventure package, a liquor package from The Well and other liquor stores from around the county, a Grand County Golf package, and Corkcicle canteen provided by Mountain Mamas Embroidery. Silent bids took place on Handbid, a phone app that allowed guests to mingle about the five-star appointed space while slyly attempting to outbid one another.

Monies raised from auctioned items and donations directly benefit the Middle Park Medical Foundation’s goal of advancing healthcare and education in Grand County. “We’re hoping to raise one hundred thousand dollars at this event,” Bryan explained. “This is our fundraising vehicle to expand hospital services within the region for both locals and visitors.” The 4th annual B.A.S.H. acts as the kick-off event for a massive project to open an oncology unit in Grand County.
Located in Granby, the brick-and-mortar unit will provide chemotherapy and infusion treatments to all Grand County residents in need.

“Our purpose is to raise funds for programs not within the budget,” foundation board member Elfriede Campbell says. “With the new oncology unit, residents won’t have to travel hours for treatments.”
Attendees were more than willing to help fund the project. This year, ticket sales reached over 220, according to Foundation Board President Jeff Miller: “We sold out rapidly. Healthcare is a top priority in Grand County.”

Together, Grand County residents broke bread in the Headwater’s main room, beautifully constructed with an open timber-frame reminiscent of an old barn, softly lit overhead by stacked wagon-style steel hooped chandeliers, intimating the glow of several hundred hand-lit candles. After Epicurean catering served a meal including boneless braised short ribs and lemon garlic shrimp, live auctioneer John Clatworthy (“The guy in the pink shirt”) roused the crowd with his live rapid-fire chant. Many raised bidding paddles to win world-class vacations to Bali, a South African Safari (Congratulations to Mitch and Christina Lockhart on their win), or a private cooking class with Lee Clayton Roper. A private distillery lesson for six people garnered an impressive $1800. Clatworthy insisted, “There’s no better place to invest your money.”

Kremmling local, Katie Ainslie would agree. As a recipient of one of last year’s Middle Park Medical Foundation scholarship, Ainslie shares, “I would not have been able to attend the school I’m going to if it weren’t for the scholarships I’d received. I have a passion for making a difference in Grand County.” Assistant Director of Middle Park Medical Foundation, Tiffany Freitag explains, “We raise scholarship funds for Middle Park Health employees, graduating high school seniors, and community members looking to expand their education in the healthcare field.”

Among the many contributors was Clinic Director, Dr. Mark Paulsen, recipient of the prestigious COPIC Humanitarian Award, which bestows $10,000 to the doctor’s foundation of choice. Dr. Paulsen explains, “The best part is being able to be here and give this ten thousand dollars to the Middle Park Medical Foundation. They’ve allowed me to be the doctor I’ve always wanted to be.”

After the live auction, guests raised their paddles in a noncompetitive, general contribution.

“I want to thank everyone for their increasing support each year,” CEO Robert Flake affirms.

Real numbers of the total donations will be available in a separate press release upon board review. Moving forward, the oncology project will continue to require funding; however, an oncologist has already been placed, according to Bryan, and is expected to begin sometime later in the year.

Board member Campbell remains confident: “Robert’s a phenomenally good CEO. He’s taken this entire institution to another level, and we’re going to help him.”

When asked how important it is for community leaders to contribute, volunteer manager of Last Time ‘Round Thrift Shop, Monika Cary insists, “It’s your duty,” to support the hospital.

Clinic Practice Director, Christina Lockhart agrees, “The hospital is important to all families and the well- being of our community.” An evening defined by community support and generosity wrapped up with music performed by Denver-based band Style, dessert and camaraderie. For more information go to middleparkhealth.org/foundation.