March 30, 2007

Bid On Your Dreams At Genesis Gala

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Maybe your dream is an exotic trip to Africa to experience wildlife.

Maybe your interests lean more toward this country, or more accurately, country music. Eight fans could be the lucky winners sitting in a suite at The Mark of the Quad Cities watching Keith Urban perform while enjoying food and beverages.

If you are a gastronome (if you have to look it up you probably aren’t one), you would enjoy a catered dinner with wine in your home, along with entertainment from a string quartet.

Or maybe your dream has always been to sit in an audience of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” or a taping of “The Late Show With David Letterman.”  Dave may ask you to perform a stupid human trick.

All of these opportunities, and many others, will be up for bid in the live auction at the Genesis Foundation Gala on Friday, April 20 at The Outing Club in Davenport.

Guests attending the Gala will be supporting a worthy mission...to provide quality, compassionate health services to all those in need.  This mission is accomplished in many ways, such as purchasing the latest technology that will benefit patients of all ages, or providing nursing scholarships to ensure the highest quality care at Genesis Medical Center.

This year, these are the projects the Gala proceeds will support:

• A wireless and waterproof Fetal Monitor that allows a mother to walk and use water therapy to ease labor pain and discomfort.  It monitors whether the baby is receiving enough oxygen and by doing so, helps prevent long-term health issues and can enhance the safe and effective care of mothers.
• A Critical Care Ventilator System for patients of every age, but especially important for newborns that otherwise would need to be transported to hospitals out of the area.  Currently, a Critical CareVentilator System is not available in the Quad Cities.
• A Neuroprosthetic and Rehab System that gives stroke patients greater independence by improving hand function and voluntary movements.  Daily activities such as dressing oneself and brushing one’s teeth become possible without assistance.
• Nursing Scholarships for students, as well as current Genesis RNs pursuing baccalaureate degree completion.  Educating health care professionals is an investment in the future of our community’s health.

Ed Decker from RSM McGladrey and his wife, Courtney Kay-Decker, from Lane & Waterman, are chairing this year’s Gala.

“Ed and I are honored to have the opportunity to support the mission of the Foundation by chairing this year's Gala,’’ said Courtney Kay-Decker.  “This year, funds raised by the Gala will bring three pieces of state-of-the-art equipment to Genesis to help care for various patient populations.

“Once again, Gala proceeds will also provide additional funding for the Gala Nursing Scholarship program.  We experienced first-hand the compassion and skill of Genesis nurses earlier this year at the West Central Park Campus ICU during my grandmother's last days.

“The Gala Nursing Scholarship program is one way to help ensure that Genesis is able to provide excellent nursing care in the community for years to come.  We are proud to have a small part in advancing these goals.”

Here are the live auction items that will be featured during the Gala:

• Tickets to the Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament.
• Lexus Champions for Charity National Golf Championship for two at Pebble Beach Resorts overlooking Carmel Bay.
• A surprise item never before seen at a Genesis Gala auction.
• Chef-Prepared dinner for 10 served in your home with entertainment.
• Steinway player grand piano entertainment package with famous jazz pianist Dan Knight.
• A suite at The Mark for the Keith Urban concert with food and beverages included.
• African balloon safari for two.
• Top gun thrill ride aboard a L-39 Albatross.
• Three-night stay in the breathtaking Galena Territory including golf and dining in various sumptuous restaurants.
• VIP package and tickets to Jimmy Buffett Concert in Tinley Park.
• Dinner for 10 at Red Crow Grille with Drs. Amir and Lisa Arbisser and Dr. Bill and Judy Benevento.

To support the Gala projects and/or make reservations for the Genesis Gala, call (563) 421-6865.  Reservations are also available at www.genesishealth.com through the classes and events link.

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