Riverview Health Foundation’s Gratitude Gala Raises Funds for Critical Care
The Riverview Health Foundation annual fundraiser, Gratitude Gala, was held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Ritz Charles in Carmel. The black-tie optional event successfully raised more than $350,000 to benefit the Foundation’s current projects, including renovations to the existing wing of the Mindrebo Family Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit. Master of Ceremonies Ryan Ahlwardt, co-host of Fox 59’s lifestyle show “Indy Now,” delighted attendees with his wit as they enjoyed the evening’s entertainment.
Silent and live auctions contributed to the fun as the night began with a VIP reception at 6 p.m., followed by a general reception an hour later. Included in the silent auction were bourbon baskets and experiences such as golf packages. Among the live auction offerings were a men’s custom-made jacket from Tailored Society in Carmel, a weeklong stay at a vacation home in South Haven, Michigan, and a dinner for 12 at Prime 47.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by other opportunities of chance. After dinner, casino games of craps, roulette, poker and blackjack added to the high spirits. However, before the “funny money” flowed and the dice rolled, guests participated in a Bourbon and Tequila Pull and the Dessert Dash.
“Board members donated around 70 bottles of bourbon, each worth at least $50, with some being quite a bit more,” says Megan Wiles, vice president, Foundation and Community Affairs. “People picked a miniature barrel. The number on it corresponded to the bottle they won. The Dessert Dash was a bidding war that continued during dinner. People at each table worked together to be the highest bid. The winning table got their first choice of desserts donated by highly desirable local bakeries.”
Wiles shares that naming the Riverview Health Foundation’s annual fundraiser the Gratitude Gala began last year. It expresses the connection between gratitude and philanthropy. It is also a way to celebrate the accomplishments made possible through donations to the Foundation.
The Riverview Health Foundation began in 1976. Its mission is to provide funding for new health services, programs and equipment for the Hamilton County community served by Riverview Hospital. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $15M. One of its recent projects was the Courtney Cox Cole Infusion Center.
“The current project to improve the Mindrebo Family Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit has been continuing for almost three years,” Wiles says. “The unit serves patients who have suffered a stroke or been in a car accident and still need care and rehabilitation. It is in the oldest section of the hospital. Patients give it great reviews in terms of the care they receive there, but the physical structure and environment are worn out. Phase one of the project was completed early in 2025, but we still need to raise funds to continue to renovate the unit.
“Most importantly, Riverview Hospital is the county hospital for Hamilton County. A portion of the funds the gala raised will go to the Help for Healing Fund. It is a patient assistance fund to ensure no one who needs it will go without medical care.”
To find out more about Riverview Health Foundation or to donate, visit riverview.org/riverview-health-foundation.
