COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Early Summer 2025 7 COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION Diamond Derby raises $527K for expansion CMH’s 2025 Diamond Derby raised more than half a million dollars for the BuildCMH Expansion Project in early May. The fourth annual Kentucky Derby watch party and fundraiser was held at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. “With $527,000 in donations given at this year’s Derby, and after receiving a recent M.J. Murdock grant of $400,000, the BuildCMH Capital Campaign has raised $7.3 million of its $10 million goal,” says Mark Kujala, executive director of the CMH Foundation. “The generosity of this community is incredible. We are so grateful for the support of the expansion.” Cheers to our sponsors Premium sponsors for the day included Umpqua Bank, ZGF Architects, Betsy Johnson, Jody Stahancyk and John Crawford. The Bridgewater Bistro served plated southern cuisine, and Bar Pilots Liquid Catering mixed up mint juleps and cocktails with donations from Pacifick Distillery, Clatsop Distributing, Van Dusen Beverages and Fort George Brewery. Raffle and live auction Held each year during the fundraiser, the champagneglass raffle offered attendees the chance to win a signature jewelry piece handcrafted by Holly McHone Jewelers. This year, McHone created a striking diamond pendant in the shape of CMH’s new logo. McHone has generously donated the custom pieces each year, totaling over $34,000 in donations to the expansion campaign. Emcee Adam Bjaranson from Portland’s KOIN-TV and auctioneer John Curley led a live auction featuring unique experiences, such as a yacht cruise, an immersive art experience with ceramicist Richard Rowland, and private events at the Ilwaco Cider Company and Pacifick Distillery. Two one-of-akind Supple Rockers were also auctioned, to the delight of Ducks and Beavers baseball fans. Grateful for gifts Several recently received lead gifts were announced before the paddle raise, including $150,000 from the Nygaard family, $60,000 from the Lum family, and $50,000 from Sheriff Matt and Bree Phillips. Big River Construction and Steve Forrester and Brenda Penner both pledged $25,000 to the campaign. “We’d like to give a special thank you to our event coordinator, Briana Smith from Events Northwest,” Kujala says. “She has assisted the CMH Foundation in all of our events over the past four years and has done an amazing job.” Next year, a new fundraising event is on the schedule for the same weekend, with an exciting big band era theme. Contribute to the cause Visit our Foundation page at columbiamemorial.org/giving to see how you can help us continue to provide excellent health care for our community.
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