The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation recently hosted its 37th annual Charity Open, presented by the Michels Corporation, celebrating another successful year supporting local hospice and cancer patient care. Since 1989, the Charity Open has raised more than $8.1 million.

Thanks to the generosity of those attending and sponsoring the event, the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation raised more than $525,000 – making this one of the most successful years.

Proceeds from this year’s event are supporting SSM Health at Home Hospice and SSM Health Cancer Care services within the greater Fond du Lac area – helping ensure that all patients have access to these vital services regardless of their ability to pay.

“It’s difficult to put into words the outstanding and truly generous support that our hospice and cancer care services received during this year’s Charity Open,” says Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy development manager, Wisconsin Region. “Our day was filled with powerful stories of hope and compassion; each thoughtfully centered on the patients and families serve. We are deeply grateful and humbled by this continued outpouring of care and generosity.”

As with previous years, the evening dinner featured the story of a local family benefiting from SSM Health at Home Hospice care.

“This year, we were honored to share the story of Mary Ann Vander Kooy. Through the compassionate care she received at our Hospice Home of Hope, her final days were filled with peace, dignity, and love. Her family was able to be there for her until the end, as she was always there for them,” Gravelle says. “We’re humbled by the Vander Kooy family for opening their hearts to share Mary Ann’s legacy to help raise funds to support both hospice and cancer care services locally.”

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation Charity Open was led by Dr. Michael and Leslie Vander Kooy as senior chairpersons, with Drs. Tadeo Diaz Balderrama and Crystal Kleiber Balderrama joining as junior chairpersons.

This year’s major sponsors were: Michels Corporation, Anthony P. Brzezinski Foundation, Jack Twohig’s Floor Covering, Holiday Automotive, Stuart’s Landscaping & Garden Center, Inc., C.D. Smith Construction, Inc., Lakeside Wealth Management, LLC, and Quest Interiors.

To learn more, call 920-926-5418.

The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation hosted a successful Charity Open with support from Dr. Michael and Leslie Vander Kooy, (right) as senior chairpersons, and Drs. Tadeo Diaz Balderrama and Crystal Kleiber Balderrama joining as junior chairpersons (left).