Night to Shine also recognized Award of Excellence recipients

Contributed photos
Andrew Yaggie, LRH Foundation President and Kent Mattson, LRH CEO present the Award of Excellence for extraordinary community service to Randy and Sheri Swonger of Stalker Lake Golf Course.
Andrew Yaggie, LRH Foundation President and Kent Mattson, LRH CEO, and nominator Mary Bressler present the Award of Excellence for extraordinary care to Emily Severson, LPN.

The Lake Region Healthcare Foundation raised $100,000 for Pediatric Therapy programs of Lake Region Healthcare during the fourth annual Night to Shine Gala. Held on April 28 at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls, the gala hosted supporters and community leaders to help raise funds for Pediatric Therapies departments in Fergus Falls and Elbow Lake. A total of $98,595 was raised during the event followed by a recent gift from Aura Fabricators, Inc. bringing total proceeds to $100,000.  The gala funds will be dedicated to advancing pediatric therapy services through the purchase of therapeutic equipment and innovative spaces to help children heal and thrive.

“I am incredibly grateful and delighted over the support we have received for Night to Shine and for our pediatric patients,” said Laura Gervais with the LRH Foundation. “2019 was our last in-person gala so we were hopeful for a well-attended event and excited to gather together once again. On behalf of the Foundation team at LRH, we share our heartfelt thanks for the community’s generosity of donated goods and services, event sponsorships and attendance to support world class care close to home.” 

This year’s event also honored Emily Severson, LPN in Dermatology, and Randy and Sheri Swonger of Stalker Lake Golf Course as recipients of the Awards of Excellence. The night’s festivities included the Once Upon A Time in Pediatric Therapy Program and a live auction and paddle raise featuring Team Aasness Auctioneers. 

“Our goal is to support the child and their family by working together with providers and community resources to provide the best care possible for our kids. The funds raised for Night to Shine will assist therapists by providing higher levels of care and improving comfort for families receiving services. We greatly appreciate your support,” said Angie Conklin, Rehab Therapies Director.