NEWS

Mayfaire brings in nearly $300,000 for emergency services

Tribune Staff

The Benefis Health System Foundation announced Friday that it netted $296,000 at its most recent Mayfaire fundraiser to support services in the Benefis Emergency Services Department.

This year’s proceeds from Mayfaire, which was held May 9, will make it possible for the emergency department to improve patient safety and comfort by adding wireless technology to bedside monitors. The proceeds also will be used to support the Benefis Trauma Program and Mercy Flight, which will use some of the funds to buy a video laryngoscope to take on missions so patients with airway issues can be treated immediately.

While a majority of the Mayfaire net revenue was raised through sponsorships by area businesses, an impressive amount was raised the night of the gala on May 9 from the silent and live auctions, plus nearly $80,000 from a special appeal.

Benefis operates one of four accredited Level 2 trauma centers in Montana, which means it offers 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons, neurosurgery, orthopedics, radiology and critical care, in addition to emergency department services.

The emergency department also includes Mercy Flight, which has a crew of nurses, paramedics and respiratory therapists who provide helicopter and fixed-wing transport for patients requiring emergency and critical care, high-risk obstetrics and neonatal care. Mercy Flight completed 919 missions in 2014.

The emergency department, which opened in 1998 through the lead gifts of Judy and Carter Williams and Olive and Keith Ario, has gone from serving 24,000 patients each year to 34,000 in 2014.

“We are truly grateful for the incredible support we have received through Mayfaire,” emergency services manager Kendra Puckett said. “The generosity of people in our community and region has made it possible to provide hope and support to so many families in times of fear and uncertainty.”

Last year, Mayfaire’s net amount raised was $295,000.