Gala at Pine Creek Nursery to support Monroe's EvergreenHealth

Not all of EvergreenHealth Monroe's hospital equipment comes from taxes and hospital fees. Some comes from its friends in the community. For years, Monroe's hospital foundation has raised funds to purchase equipment that improves the care patients receive.

The EvergreenHealth Monroe Foundation-á ' formerly the Valley General Hospital Foundation ' will host the second annual Blue Jeans and Boots gala to kick off a campaign to raise $150,000 for the foundation's next project on Saturday, Sept. 19.

To find out what that project is, one will have to attend the gala, where the new campaign goal will be announced, said organizer Dianne Forth.

In the past, the foundation has bought such things for the hospital as patient beds, gurneys for the emergency department, a device called a Glidescope that eases intubation of patients and high quality surgical masks for doctors.

The foundation also provides scholarships to local students, promotes awareness of the services available at the hospital and recognizes extraordinary contributions to the public health of the community.

For many years, the hospital foundation held an annual car raffle to raise money for those projects. But last year the foundation decided to try something new.

The organization hosted a gala dinner at Pine Creek Nursery, a picturesque property with an elaborately landscaped exterior, an airy and spacious gift shop inside and a large timbered room available for events.

The event was very successful, and this year foundation members hope it will grow.

Hook and Ladder Barbecue, a catering company owned by Monroe firefighter Jeff Dickinson and his father, Mike, will provide dinner at the event, which takes place in a large tent at Pine Creek Nursery.

Emceeing the event will be KIRO TV reporter Jesse Jones. Like Pine Creek Nursery, Jones is donating his services.

"He will be a great asset,GÇ¥ said Forth. "We are very grateful.GÇ¥

Attendees are invited to dress casually, in western wear if they so desire. There will be music and even some line dancing, as well as both a silent and live auction. Tickets cost $75. To inquire about tickets, contact monroefoundation@evergreenhealth.com.-á To learn more about the foundation, visit vghfoundation.org.