Blue Jean Ball Gives Big Boost to Emergency Campaign

When the music stopped at the end of Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Blue Jean Ball, more than $35,000 had been raised to support renovations to the emergency department. Denim, dancing, food, and fun were enjoyed by about 250 guests during the third GRMC Blue Jean Ball, held this year at Grinnell College’s Harris Center on Saturday, Oct. 17.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the recognition of four individuals chosen to serve as honorary chairs of the GRMC Moving at the Speed of Life campaign. Campaign co-chairs Nicholas Kuiper, MD, Dan Agnew, and Debby Pohlson, recognized Jewel Kintzinger Day, Leila Maring, Waldo Walker, and the late Marion Jones for their years of service and dedication to GRMC.

The GRMC Auxiliary hosted a Wine Pull with 101 bottles of wine at the event, which raised $2,020 toward the auxiliary’s pledge to GRMC’s chemotherapy and infusion suite. To participate, supporters paid a $20 fee to pull a wrapped bottle from a selection of expensive, medium range, and less expensive wines. The bottles were wrapped to hide the bottle and the value.

“We shared a wonderful evening with friends of GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Everyone had a great time as we bid on excellent auction items to raises funds for the emergency department. We are closing in on all the funds needed to complete the campaign and this was an energy-filled boost to our efforts.”

The evening’s entertainment was provided by The Dweebs, a regional band from Somerset, Wis.

Sponsors for the night were:

Couture – Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.

Headline Sponsors – Grinnell College and Oakland Acres Golf Club.

Boot Cut Sponsors – Bernie Lowe & Associates, Inc., Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Grandma's House Pet Resort - Wendy Kadner, Dr. Nicholas and Stacy Kuiper, and The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation.

Stonewashed Sponsors – ASI Signage Innovations, Casey's General Store, Great Western Bank, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, and Vander Linden Construction, Inc.

Dark Blue Sponsors – Bikes To You, Denise Lamphier and Charlie Clements, Drs. Michelle and Samuel Rebelsky, Family Medicine, First State Bank, Foot and Ankle of Iowa - Dr. Matthew and Leslie McKnight, Grinnell Family Care, Lincoln Savings Bank, Rev. Dr. Kevin and Mary Emge, Ron and Sally Lang, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, and Wes Finch Auto Plaza.

Gift In-Kind Sponsors – The Grinnell-Herald Register, Julin Printing Co., and RE/MAX Partners Realty.

 “The event made two points very clear. GRMC supporters like to have fun and they want an excellent emergency facility to match our excellent staff,” Linden says.

Individuals interested in supporting efforts toward a new emergency department may contact Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.

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Photo cutlines:

Photo labeled BJB Group:
Residents filled the Harris Center as they bid on seven auction items for trips to Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Colorado, and Arkansas as well as a hunting package, sailing package, and gourmet dinner. These items raised more than $8,000.

Photo labeled BJB Sally and Dweebs:

Sally Lang, GRMC foundation chair, hams it up with The Dweebs during the Blue Jean Ball.

Photo labeled BJB Stage with Dweebs

Audience participation is a signature characteristic of The Dweebs, who performed for the GRMC Blue Jean Ball. Shown on stage with the Dweebs are Jessica Kite, Terri Nath, and Holly Pettlon.