Out and About in RI: Wood River Health’s Harvest for Health Gala

Wood River Health reports that its 4th Annual Harvest for Health Gala raised $127,000 for the Federally Qualified Health Center. Event proceeds support health care programs and support services that improve patients’ quality of life.

Wood River Health hosted its 4th Annual Harvest for Health Gala on September 26, 2024 to celebrate its 48th anniversary. The gala was held at Shepherd’s Run Vineyard in South Kingstown, RI and live music was performed by Take it to the Bridge Trio.

Presenters included Kalpesh Shah, Wood River Health’s Board Chair; Alison Croke, President and CEO of Wood River Health; and Peter Marino, President and CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. Each spoke about the efforts Wood River Health has made to increase patient access to high quality health care programs and support services.

During the event program, Alison Croke announced that for the second year in a row, Wood River Health was awarded the Gold Quality Award from the Health Resources and Services Administration. Only 145 of the 1,400 health centers in the country receive this level of recognition.  

Croke also noted that Wood River Health is expanding its facilities at its Westerly location at 17 Wells Street.  Due to rising demand for healthcare, its Westerly site has reached capacity due to increased patient demand. Construction has been completed on the 3,000 square foot expansion, which will add seven exam rooms, a behavioral health counseling room and Express Care and Lab Services on the first floor. 

The gala was supported through many generous sponsorships made by community partners, local businesses and members of the Board of Directors. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island served as Harvest for Health’s Presenting Sponsor. Professional Planning Group served at the Over the Harvest Moon level.

The event’s Earth’s Bounty Sponsors included Chariho Furniture, CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, East Side Clinical Laboratory, Genoa Healthcare, Integrated Health Partners, Office Concepts, RI Media Group, UnitedHealthcare, Vision 3 Architects and Yale New Haven/Westerly Hospital. Sponsorship funding raised $58,500 for Wood River Health.

During the speaking program, a heartfelt testimony was delivered by Kelly S., a patient of Wood River Health. In a prerecorded video, Kelly stated how Dr. Campagnari and Wood River Health’s primary care team made an indelible impact on her family’s lives. Her story highlights the level of collaborative care Wood River Health provides to its patients. The video presentation was developed by PMC Media Group and can be viewed at WoodRiverHealth.org.

During the event, guests were encouraged to “Raise the Paddle” to support equipment costs related to the Westerly expansion. While most of the construction costs have been supported through grants, Wood River Health is seeking donations to support the costs to equip each exam room, estimated at $14,000 per room. The 2024 Paddle raised $19,932 in pledges to support this expense. This amount was generously matched by Board Chair Kalpesh Shah, who pledged his commitment during the proceedings. Wood River Health thanks Kalpesh and Jeanette Shah and all paddle participants for supporting its mission.

During the gala, guests were invited to participate in a Wine Surprise Raffle. Participants received a bottle of wine and a gift card up to $100 in exchange for a $50 donation. Gift cards were donated by local businesses and wine was donated by Wakefield Liquors and The Wine Store. The Wine Surprise Raffle raised $2,360 for Wood River Health.

Wood River Health also held a virtual silent auction featuring theatre tickets, restaurant gift cards, a signed Celtics Jersey, Jazz Brunch at the Ocean House, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun tickets, art, jewelry and more. The live auction included an annual membership to The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort, lunch for two at its Maker’s Mark Hobbit House, Patriots tickets and a 30-minute virtual meeting with Drew Bledsoe. Together, the silent and live auctions raised $14,456. 

Event program and signage were designed by LDM Designs. Patceez Home Garden Center donated 18 mums to decorate the tables, which added to the harvest theme of the event. The food was catered by Blackstone Caterers and guests enjoyed wine from Shepherd’s Run vineyard.

The event was orchestrated by members of the Harvest for Health Gala Committee, which begins planning each gala in January. The 2024 committee was chaired by former Wood River Health board member Dan Fitzgerald. Members included Sarah Channing, Director of Development & Communications; Alison Croke, President & CEO; Jennifer Madden, Marketing & Communications Specialist; Peggy Marcotte, Executive Assistant to CEO; and Dayna Mendolia, Marketing & Events Coordinator.

Photos of Harvest for Health’s attendees were taken by Yamuna Smith Photography and can be viewed on Wood River Health’s Facebook page. A list of all event sponsors and donors is posted at WoodRiverHealth.org. 

About Wood River Health – Since 1976, Wood River Health has delivered medical, dental and social services to the communities of southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. Its mission is to provide its patients with high-quality and affordable health care services through a compassionate, team-based approach. Its vision is for every member of its community to experience physical, emotional and social well-being.

A private, non-profit Community Health Center, Wood River Health is devoted to providing quality patient care to over 10,000 patients. It is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Wood River Health receives funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas. For more information, visit WoodRiverHealth.org.