The HVCH Foundation raised almost $50,000 during its Travel & Experience Auction and annual charity golf outing on Friday & Saturday, July 21-22.
The annual event was held at the Hocking Hills Golf Club in Hocking County. The event welcomed community members, partners, employees and tourists to what has become a much anticipated weekend event.
“This year, the auction and golf committees worked hard to restructure the weekend into a more vibrant and memorable experience,” Latricia Johnston, HVCH Chief Public Relations Officer, said. “Hocking Valley Community Hospital celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016, so it was time to look forward at the next 50 years and determine how to remain relevant to the upcoming and ever changing population.”
Over the past 31 years, the event has raised more than $1.5 million for charitable purposes at HVCH.
New to the auction event this year was a travel and experience theme. Thirty-three live and 57 silent items were selected to be put up for bid. 
“We realize that our donors work hard everyday, so most of these items were grouped together in packages to allow guests to bid on items that would provide opportunities for rest and relaxation – all part of a good wellness program,” Johnston said.
Additionally, attendees were provided entertainment from Hey Neighbor, an acoustic duo featuring Olivia Reade on vocals and Matthew Croyle on guitar and harmonica. SAM FM Radio 98.3 also provided music at the auction during their live remote. New auctioneers this year were Steve and Zach Green of Green & Green Auctioneers, a father and son family business from Sunbury, Ohio. Guest auctioneers were Scott Vermillion, Jeff Dickerson and HVCH Board Chairperson Roger Hinerman.
“We can’t say enough about the services provided by Hocking Hills Golf Club. They are truly a gem to this community. Owners, Chris and Kim Lanning embraced the changes and mission of this year’s Foundation auction and golf outing, and helped shape it into a spectacular event for our guests,” Julie Stuck, HVCH CEO & President, said.
Additionally, the Foundation office changed the process of sponsorships this year, through the addition of the Leading the Way Annual Partnership Program. This provides participants more opportunity for recognition throughout the year in addition to the auction and golf outing. Partners are able to experience other benefits including catered luncheons, print and broadcasting opportunities to expose their organization. This year, community businesses have donated almost $50,000 in partnerships. It is not too late to join the HVCH Foundation partner program for 2017; interested individuals may call 740-380-8336 to learn more.
This year’s $1,000 ball drop winner was Elaine Walker with lucky ball #380. Golf tournament raffle winners were: Ward Murrey, one-year HHGC membership; John Jordan, one pizza per month for a year at Pizza Crossing; Mark Taulbee, $100 Sharff’s gift card; Ralph McBride, $100 Hawk’s Nest gift card and Cathy Dennison, two-nights stay at Hidden Hills Cabin.
Hocking Valley is a community non-profit hospital with an emergency department, urgent care and a wide variety of clinical, specialty and outpatient services. For more information, contact the Community Relations office at (740) 380-8336.