Plans under way for "The Best Backyard Barbecue"

Plans are currently under way for the W.C. Heiam Medical Foundation's 17th annual benefit, "The Best Backyard Barbecue," set for Saturday, August 21 on the Cook Hospital grounds. The City of Cook will be filled with the tempting aromas of smoked and barbecued meats, prepared and served that evening by local barbecue chef, Todd Polley. The Cook Hospital is co-hosting the event.

Improvements this year include a large, single-tent configuration, which will be more weathertight in case of inclement weather, have better sound qualities and generally provide added comfort for the guests.

Those attending are welcome to come early and tour the Cook Hospital facilities from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The reception begins at 5:30 with live music featuring local musicians, The Black Bay Bluegrass Boys. Guests will enjoy a variety of appetizers, refreshments and picnic foods served throughout the evening.

Something new is planned for this year's Silent Auction, which will start at 5:30 p.m. and end promptly at 7 p.m. when dinner will be served. A new "Buy Now" option will be available to bidders in the silent auction. And instead of holding the Live Auction after dinner, a handful items will be auctioned off live throughout the evening. Lastly, the raffle drawing will be held at 8:30 p.m. to conclude the festivities. Raffle tickets will be sold during the evening.

The Heiam Foundation is accepting donations for its auction. Anyone wishing to make a donation for this year's event may contact any foundation board member or Nan Lundblad, benefit coordinator at (218) 666-2316 or email: info@heiamfoundation.org

Invitations to attend this year's benefit have been sent to everyone currently in the foundation's database. Anyone who has not received an invitation and would like to attend may also contact Nan Lundblad.

The Heiam Foundation's annual benefit is its largest and most successful fund-raising event of the year. Last year's benefit "An Evening in Tuscany" raised $66,953 to support Cook Hospital and all health care services in the area. Each year the event's proceeds are added to the foundation's endowment fund to insure that quality health care remains available here for future generations. The foundation is proud to announce it has reached over $1.2 million towards its goal of a $2 million endowment fund.

This year's "The Best Backyard Barbecue" promises to be another fun-filled and successful event for the foundation. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend on Saturday, August 21 and show your support of local, quality health services.