On Saturday, April 11, more than 400 ACMC employees, family, and friends gathered at Andrus Banquet Center for a Reverse Raffle in support of outpatient oncology and infusion services. The event raised more than $8,500 for the ACMC Foundation to fund a renovation project at the cancer center building to accommodate more patients and enhance care.
In addition to the 400 attendees, support was given by the event's major sponsors, which included the ACMC Auxiliary Volunteers who sponsored a $10 Ohio instant Lottery ticket prize for every 5th raffle number drawn. The event's Chinese Auction was popular and featured numerous baskets and packages with many generous donations from local businesses, as well as the ACMC Spirit Committee and ACMC Administration. Event attendees also enjoyed bingo, sideboards, special raffles, table games and more. A team of more than two dozen hospital employees volunteered to plan and work at the event.
"It was great to have our employees, their significant others and friends showing their support," said Michael Habowski, ACMC President and CEO. "I'm grateful for everyone's generosity and hard work to make it happen."
Funds raised will help ACMC complete an interior renovation of the outpatient cancer center building that will create additional infusion bays and private exam rooms, as well as a new dedicated oncology pharmacy. The project is planned at a time when Ashtabula County continues to suffer from cancer rates significantly higher than the state and the nation. Hundreds of cancer and infusion patients turn to ACMC each month for treatment, but many more travel long distances, outside our county.
"Additional patient care areas mean more patients can receive care here without the burden of travel," Habowski said. "Our priority at ACMC continues to be to keep quality healthcare local in Ashtabula County. This is especially important for those patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment and the extra burdens associated with that."
Over the years, funds raised by the Foundation have supported ACMC through facility renovations, program and service expansions, and equipment purchases. It is only through the generosity of others that the Foundation can maximize its benefit to ACMC and the community we serve. For more information about the ACMC Foundation or this project, contact Executive Director Tami Netkowicz at 440.997.6605 or through email at tami.netkowicz@acmchealth.org.