November 16, 2023 – The John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation hosted its premier fundraising event, the Black and White Ball, on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The Foundation board declared the event an amazing success.

“We live in such a generous community,” said Foundation president Heather Bernikoff. “The money raised at this event will help fully fund the high-tech procedure room defibrillator and purchase the neonatal equipment the Healthcare District needs, as well as helping with other District goals. The Foundation is in constant contact with the Healthcare District administration and keeps informed of needs. We are happy to help as much as we are able. Our generous community makes this possible.”

Foundation board member and Events committee chairperson, Mike Wichmann, added, “I’m especially grateful to all of those people who worked so hard to put this event back together again after a 3-year hiatus. I, too, was blown away by the generosity of our sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, and event attendees. This community effort says alot about how much we care about each other and collectively value local healthcare and the John C. Fremont Healthcare District and its employees. I was pleased to see the Black and White Ball attendees really enjoying themselves. It was a special evening for sure.”

The theme was “Lighting the Way.”

“Rural healthcare is ever-changing,” said Bernikoff. “As we move forward to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, we at the Foundation are depending on everyone’s partnership to help ensure a healthy, well-informed community. The results of the Black and White Ball leave our entire Foundation board feeling hopeful and excited.”

Bernikoff continued, “Everyone who supported this event is helping ‘light the way’ to an exciting future for the District. In 2024, we  plan to expand board membership and capacity  to implement programming that supports the JCF Healthcare District and community health.”

Event sponsors included MACT Health Board, Inc and Yosemite Hospitality, a division of Aramark, at the Luminary Star level; Stephens Media Group at the Radiant Star level; Camarena Health, Foster’s Ace Hardware, Happy Goat, Wipfli, WestAmerica Bank, and Merco Credit Union at the Shining Star level; Sierra Asset Management, Sierra Tel, and Mr. Howard Skinner as Bright Stars; and Heather and David Bernikoff-Raboy, Sheila Raboy, and Offline Solar at the Twinkle Star level.

Delicious appetizers and dinner were created by Chef Sadie Taylor. 1850 Restaurant and Brewing Company took care of guests' wishes at the bar.

The Soul Galaxy, with special guest singer Cynthia Huddleston-Bennett, set the mood with background music before dinner and an awesome set of up-tempo dancing music after dinner.   

Bernikoff hosted a brief program that included recognition of first responders, acknowledging the accomplishments of the Citizens to Save the Hospital (Measure O) Committee with certificates from the State Legislature, remarks by Interim CEO Lisa Hoyle, and a testimony by community member Jill Rowney that described a recent emergency situation and the positive outcome provided by the Healthcare District, thus illustrating the need for such services in our rural community.

To guests’ great enjoyment, there was an incredible array of donated items to bid on in the silent auction.  After dinner, Buster Hewlett of Hewlett Auctions auctioned off five special high-end gifts to eager and generous bidders. 

There was also a raffle and the always popular souvenir photo booth.

It was a night of fun with a few surprises along the way.

Proceeds raised at the Ball will directly benefit the Healthcare District’s programs and services, such as the hospital, Home Health and Hospice, and outpatient services, as well as scholarships and community health programs in our surrounding rural areas.

“Also this year,” said Bernikoff, “ we want to significantly increase the Foundation’s giving to the Healthcare District, such as fully funding the high-tech defibrillator in the procedure room and providing up-to-date neonatal equipment.”

“JCFHD is not set-up as a labor delivery hospital,” continued Bernikoff. “Most expectant mothers make arrangements at birthing centers in the Valley. But emergencies happen, and multiple babies are born at JCF each year. We want them and their mothers to have a good experience. This means having the right, up-to-date equipment, and we can only do this with the public’s support.”  

The JCF Hospital Foundation's Black and White Ball was a sold out event with attendees  commenting on how the events team had beautifully transformed building A at the Fairgrounds in keeping with the theme of Lighting the Way. Everyone enjoyed the food, music, bidding on auction items, photo booth, and happy feelings of camaraderie the evening provided. 

Members of the Citizens to Save the Hospital Committee were recognized for their accomplishments in the successful passage of Measure O which provides funding for building a new hospital as required by state law. Here is co-proponent Beth Tomsick after receiving her certificate from the State Legislature.

After dinner, Black and White Ball attendees enjoyed dancing to the music of The Soul Galaxy, with special guest singer Cynthia Huddleston-Bennett.

If you were unable to make this year’s ball and would like to help fund the Foundation’s stated priorities, you can donate via check to JCFHF, PO Box 1093, Mariposa, CA 95338, or through the website jcfhospitalfoundation.org. Donations are tax deductible.

For more information or questions, contact the Foundation at (209) 966-1166, jcfhospitalfoundation@gmail.com, or visit our website at jcfhospitalfoundation.org.

To stay up to date with the Foundation’s latest news, like and follow JCFHospitaFoundation on Facebook and Instagram.

Source: JCFHF