This year’s “Heartstrings” Raise the Paddle launched the Foundation’s $1.6M campaign to provide funding to transform the 25 inpatient rooms in the Acute Care Unit (ACU) of our hospital. For more than 20 years, these rooms have quietly supported our community through moments of hope, healing, and recovery—serving more than 58,000 patients along the way. While these spaces have faithfully cared for generations of patients and families, they are now in urgent need of modernization and transformation.
This project is about far more than updated finishes or fresh paint. It is about creating healing environments designed for today’s patients and prepared for the future of healthcare. Renovated rooms will be quieter, more welcoming, and thoughtfully designed with patients, families, and caregivers in mind. Planned upgrades include advanced technology such as smart beds with fall prevention and continuous vital sign monitoring and self-sanitizing in-room UV-C computers that eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria and viruses. The project will also include full room enhancements such as new flooring, lighting and comfortable family seating.
The evening itself was truly one for the record books.
A remarkable 374 guests attended in elegant red and black tie attire, creating an atmosphere of celebration, purpose and heart. Our business community and hospital vendors showed up in a tremendous way, with 48 generous sponsors helping make the evening possible. We are especially grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Marathon Petroleum, and Platinum Sponsors Haven Financial, Troy & Joyce Kunz, and Terry & Sheri Tyson for their extraordinary leadership and support.
The event also welcomed nearly 100 Island Health employees, including nurses, support staff and 27 current or retired physicians—a powerful reminder of the deep connection between our healthcare teams and the community they serve.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed 19 exciting live auction packages, including three unforgettable travel experiences introduced through dynamic video presentations. One lucky guest also took home a $6,096 shopping spree to Burton’s. The evening was masterfully led by renowned auctioneer and radio personality Gee Scott, whose energy and heartfelt storytelling inspired incredible generosity from the crowd.
We were also honored to recognize four outstanding Philanthropy Award recipients whose dedication continues to strengthen healthcare in our region: Jan Iversen—Donor of the Year, Quantum Construction—Business of the Year, Anacortes Rotary—Service Club of the Year, and Karla DeCamp of Your Story Foundation—Volunteer of the Year.
Most importantly, every dollar raised will make a meaningful impact on patient care at Island Health. Planned improvements will help patients rest more peacefully, allow families to feel more comfortable and supported, and provide care teams with spaces better equipped to deliver exceptional care.
To everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, bid, raised a paddle, or supported the Gala of Hope in any way—THANK YOU! Your generosity is helping shape the future of healthcare in our community.
In case you missed the inspiring videos shared during the Gala of Hope, visit our YouTube channel HERE to watch them and experience the stories that made the evening so special. And, if you are inspired to support the critical Inpatient Room Modernization Project, we are still gratefully accepting donations HERE and select 2026 ACU Heartstrings in the drop down menu.