Diamond Derby raises more than $500,000 for hospital expansion
Contact: Sarah Bello
Community came together to celebrate CMH's planned expansion project
A sunny Saturday afternoon and the CMH Foundation’s second annual Diamond Derby fundraiser on May 6 brought community members, caregivers and special guests together to celebrate CMH’s planned BuildCMH Expansion Project.
More than 300 people attended the event, raising $512,100. All gifts will go toward the 180,000 square foot hospital expansion, which will break ground in Fall 2024. New renderings from the architect and design team, showing exterior and interior views, were unveiled during the festivities.
“The hospital expansion will allow us to expand our services locally and reduce the need to travel out of the area for care,” says Erik Thorsen, CEO. “Our friends and neighbors never cease to amaze me with their generosity and enthusiasm to make the area and the health care we offer the best they can be.”
Honorary event chair and former state Sen. Betsy Johnson, along with Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl safety Jordan Poyer, former Astoria mayor Willis Van Dusen, KOIN sportscaster Adam Bjaranson and other special guests rallied the crowd to give toward the significant construction project that will impact health care on the coast for generations. Guests enjoyed heavy appetizers from Bridgewater Bistro and beverages provided by Bar Pilots Liquid Catering, watched the exciting Kentucky Derby races, and bid on exclusive auction items and raffle prizes, while learning more about the expansion project.
“Nearly everyone I know in the area has received care at CMH,” says Mark Kujala, director of the CMH Foundation. “I was born and raised here. CMH is a pillar of the community, and with this expansion, we hope to continue its legacy of providing excellent care for many more years. We are so grateful for the community’s help as we embark on this important journey.”
Special acknowledgement and thanks goes to the major donors who announced personal gifts at the event:
- Pierre Sundborg, $140,000
- Mike and Laura Brosius, $50,000
- Shawn Teevin, $30,000
- The Van Dusen Family, $25,000
- The Samuel S. Johnson Foundation, $25,000
- Erik and Mary Thorsen, $25,000
- The Jordan Poyer Foundation, $10,000
- John Crawford and Jody Stahancyk, $10,000
CMH is thankful for the efforts of the event committee, including Mark Kujala, Alicia Redden, Noelle Lund, Michelle Murray, Kurtis Birdeno, Amber Hill and Bree Phillips, and all the volunteers who helped make the event possible. Larry Flynn of Idaho Benefit Events and Briana Smith of Events Northwest also helped create a successful event.
“A huge thank you goes to the numerous CMH caregivers and departments that were involved at this year’s Diamond Derby, in addition to the event committee and our partner organizations,” Kujala says. “We could not put on an event of this magnitude without their help.”
More information about the expansion project can be found online at columbiamemorial.org/buildcmh. Next year’s Diamond Derby will be held in conjunction with the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024.