The Audubon County Hospital Foundation made a strong debut with its first Gala and Fundraiser on Saturday, March 7, 2026, drawing over 300 community members and sponsors from across the Midwest to the Audubon County Fairgrounds Agri Hall. The evening was centered on advancing local healthcare and raising funds for a Hologic Envision Mammography Unit—technology that will position Audubon County Memorial Hospital as the first in Iowa to offer this innovative system.
The new unit is expected to significantly improve early detection of breast cancer, prioritize patient comfort, accommodate mobility and health considerations, and expand access to high-quality screening in rural communities.
Audubon County Memorial Hospital’s CEO, Callen Weispfennig, and Foundation Board President, Chelle Madsen, welcomed guests, highlighting the vital role of community support in bringing projects like this to life. Master of Ceremonies Kelby Eck, ACMH’s newly appointed Med-Surg and ER Nursing Manager, kept the evening lively and seamless, guiding the program with poise and charm. Director of Radiology, Jessica Fastert, highlighted the advanced capabilities of the new mammography equipment, while General Surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Maire, underscored the life-saving importance of early breast cancer screening. Radiology and Mammography Technologist, Sydnee Partridge, introduced the Foundation board members, adding a personal touch to the evening.
The AgriHall was transformed into an elegant celebration, with beautiful preset tables adorned with floral centerpieces from Lori’s Flowers and a festive balloon arch by Cue the Balloons. Guests enjoyed a catered meal from Ashley’s Kitchen and Katering while taking in a lively performance from Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos, whose interactive show brought excitement to the evening.
Adding to the exhilaration, attendees participated in both a silent auction and a live auction, led by 12-year-old Mr. Brey Hansen. The upcoming mammography unit may have been meant to shine, but it was happily upstaged by Hansen’s energy and charm. His spirited and enthusiastic style livened the audience and encouraged generous bids throughout the evening.
By the end of the event, almost $70,000 had been raised toward the purchase of the new mammography unit. The funds will directly support expanded screening services, helping ensure earlier detection and better outcomes for patients across the region.
With a successful first year complete, Foundation leaders are also exploring new entertainment options for next year’s gala, as they look to build on the momentum. The evening served not only as a fundraiser, but as a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when it comes together for a common cause.
“From those who attended the event to those who contributed through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts, every contribution played a vital role in making the evening so impactful,” said Bliss Weitl, Foundation Director. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, whose generosity made this milestone possible. Your support directly enhances early detection capabilities and improves health outcomes for countless individuals in our community. Most importantly, this success belongs to the entire community—it’s a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared vision.”
Weitl shared that the gala is intended to become an annual March tradition, with each year supporting a different healthcare initiative. Planning is already underway for the Foundation’s next event—the 28th Annual Golf Fundraiser, scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2026. Sponsorships and team registrations will open April 1 and close July 1. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 hole-in-one prize, continuing a highlight from last year’s event.
Donations were received from the following:
A special thank you to our $10,000 sponsors—Drees Heating & Plumbing Inc and Audubon Masonic Veritas Lodge No. 392, in memory of Ken Burns. Their extraordinary generosity played a pivotal role in the success of this event and in advancing healthcare within our community.
Monetary Donations: OPN Architects Inc.; Audubon State Bank; Folk and Sons Tractors; TNT Industries Inc.; Landmands Bank; Bonnie Tigges; Audubon Lions Club; Dr. Rick Goding Orthopedic Surgery ACMH; The Maschhoffs, LLC AP; Roundkick Gym-Carroll; Global Precision Parts; Miller Family; Chelle Madsen; Dan and Barb Smith; Kathy Sornson; Ben & Accalia Jensen; My Way Designs; Thomas and Virginia Mennenoh; Puck, LLC; Madsen, Groteluschen & Tinker; UnityPoint LifeFlight; The Bakery on Broadway; Jackie Wahlert; Hsu Hand Surgery PLLC; ENT Specialists; Tim Anderson; Flowstate Health; Templeton Savings Bank; Frontline Dermatology – Rosa Nicosia, ARNP; Robinson & Ruhnke, PC; Ashley’s Kitchen & Katering; Todd and Darcy Williamson; Feld Fire and Security; Priority Health & Wellness Center; Murray Company; Griffin CPA LLC; Healthcare Coding & Consulting Services, LLC; West Central Biomed; ProAg Engineering, Inc.; Audubon Family Chiropractic – Dr. Doug Olsen, D.C.; Remsburg Service, Inc.; Sam’s Barber Shop; Exchange State Bank; AMVC; Landus Cooperative; Elmquist Welding and Repair, Inc.; Southwest Iowa Real Estate; Riesberg Audio and Video; Karsten Repair, LLC; Clayton Dorsey Farm Bureau Agency; Highland Medical Group; Teledigm Health; Walnut Creek Psychiatry; Erica Kitt; RhinoRx.
Silent and Live Auction Donations: Flemmings; Weitl Flooring and Tile; 3 in 1 Detailing; Kwik Trip; Scheels; Seven Oaks; Roundkick Gym-Carroll; OJK Lawn Services; Lois Dirks; Bomgaars; Adam Clark Tattoo; El Adobe; Iowa State Auditorium; Sparetime; Pizza Ranch-Carroll; Iowa Wild; Iowa Cubs; Sea Life Kansas City; Henry Doorly Zoo; The Iowa Children’s Museum; Arnold’s Park; UNI Athletics; St. Louis Cardinals; Des Moines Symphony; Fridley Theatres; Iowa Buccaneers; Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden; Science Center of Iowa; Elite Healthcare; Warrior Lanes; Children’s Museum-Carroll, Iowa; Ameristar; East Village Spa; Audubon Rec Center; Holiday Inn Express Downtown; Starbucks; Haley Equipment; Stan’s Turnings; Minnesota Vikings; Pittsburgh Steelers; Nebraska Huskers; Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport; Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church; Panera Bread; Templeton Distillery; Ace Hardware; The Cheesecake Factory; Sue Wede; Littlefield National Park; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Smudge Soaps; Present Company; Emerald Chevrolet; Audubon Golf and Country Club; Clean Duct Services; Joe’s Karting; Coca-Cola Atlantic; Divine Salon and Spa; Small Town Esti; In the Dog House; Cooper’s Hawk Winery; Kitt’s Locker; Green Bay Packers; Iowa State Fair; Atlantic Meat Locker; Elements Salon; Waspy’s Rotation; Audubon Foodland; Tony Bush; Guthrie County Meats; Blank Park Zoo; Kansas City Royals; King’s Pointe Waterpark; Jo’s Corner Clip; Audubon Family Chiropractic; Jay Hansen Trucking; Audubon Real Estate; Costco; Holistic Health; Van Wall; CB Skin Secrets; Quality Dental Care; Hibbett Sports; Hy-Vee; Fareway.
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