The High River and District Health Care Foundation held its Annual Donor Appreciation Reception Thursday night at the Highwood Golf and Country Club in High River.

Executive Director Michael Brown says it was one way to say thank you.

"We have incredibly generous donors, we have fabulous medical staff here in High river and down in Nanton so we wanted to make sure that they had the opportunity to hear the thank-yous from us so that's what we've done and I love doing it."

He says the foundation had donations and net fundraising of over one million dollars.

Executive Director High River District Health Foundation, Michael Brown. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

Those in attendance were treated to an evening of appetizers, cocktails and entertainment. They were given details on how their donations have helped the foundation in its mission. It was an emotional evening

that took a turn from financials to focus more about the human element and the impact on people the generosity of others have made.

Fund Development and Communications Officer Cathy Couey says the evening was all about the people.

"The night is truly just about saying thank you and about sharing the visions and stories that the impact the donors have had on our local health care."

She says when they return to the office they'll finish up an initiative for the Long Term Care and Solutions Project.

Fund Development/Communications Officer High River District Health Care Foundation, Cathy Couey. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

She says after that, they're on to mapping out a fairly significant initiative for the hospitals operating room.

Director Lise Brisebois-Blouim said she hasn't seen anything like it.

"The High River Foundation and the community support is phenomenal. I haven't seen it anywhere else and when I talk to my peers there isn't anything close to what we have."

She praised the donors and the health care foundation team for the efforts they've made and continue to make on behalf oh the community.

Director, Lise Brisebois-Blouim. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

Swinging tunes provided by the band Upfront Trio. L to R Hendrik Greidanus, Mel Wilson and Nicholas Bettcher. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

Donors, medical staff and residents enjoyed the evening. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan

For more information on Financial Highlights of 2015 visit www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca

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