The W.C. Heiam Medical Foundation held its 15th annual benefit, a German "Weinfest" celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. It was a beautiful fall evening for the event. For the first time the benefit was held on the Cook Hospital grounds where a large heated wall tent was erected for the celebration. One hundred six guests were in attendance.

The Cook Hospital served as co-host and offered tours of its facilities to guests from 4:30 to 5:30, prior to the start of the evening?s festivities. A silent auction was held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the hospital?s lobby and conference room. Many area businesses and individuals donated items for bidding. Pianist Randy Wall entertained the guests while they placed bids on their favorite items. At 7 p.m. a delicious German buffet was served by the Cook Hospital staff. Local musicians, the ?Second Chance? band provided the entertainment in the tent. At 8:30 the ever popular live auction was held, followed by the raffle drawing.

The Heiam Foundation reports that it as another successful event, raising $41,465.00 to date, including the proceeds of the annual pre-benefit "Chick Flick" party, benefit cash donations and ticket money, the silent and live auctions, raffle sales and corporate sponsorships. Next year?s annual benefit is tentatively planned for Saturday, August 22, so mark your calendars now!

The W.C. Heiam Medical Foundation?s long-term goal is to create a $2 million endowment fund to insure that quality health care will remain available in this area for many years to come. Currently, the foundation has over $1 million in its endowment fund. And, over the past 15 years, the foundation has donated over $158,000 to the local health care facilities for needed equipment and services. The foundation is very proud of its accomplishments and owes its success to its many donors and volunteers.

Click on the photos to see a slideshow from the 2008 Heiam Benefit.