News and Events

On the heels of generous year-end donations from individuals and organizations across the region, the volunteer Board of Directors for Mobridge Regional Health Care Foundation has delivered a second $500,000 check to Mobridge Regional Hospital & Clinics for its ongoing expansion and renovation of Mobridge Regional Hospital and Mobridge Medical Clinic. The first $500,000 was delivered in April of 2024.

The Healthy Futures Capital Campaign started in October 2023 with the goal of raising $1.5 million to help defray costs of Mobridge Regional Hospital & Clinics’ 4-phase building and expansion project. Phase 1 was completed in early 2024, with the opening of the hospital’s new patient wing, obstetrics department, and a private west-end area with its own air handling system and respite room for families of patients receiving end of life comfort care.

“Our community has so much to be thankful for right now,” shares Travis Vetch, Board President of MRHC Foundation. “We’ve had wonderful supporters help us through this first year and a half of the campaign. Whether they gave their time, talents, treasure or a combination of the three, I hope they each know how appreciated they are and how much of a positive impact they are making on our rural healthcare system.”

Now two-thirds of the way toward the original goal, the Board and staff are hopeful they may be able to issue a final $500,000 check to the hospital next spring. “It’s ambitious, and relies completely on the community’s continued support,” admits Haden Merkel, the Healthy Futures Campaign Manager, “but honestly, it is more critical than ever that we succeed.”

"The expansion and renovation of our critical access hospital and rural health clinic in Mobridge isn’t just a building project – it’s a commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors and families," said John Ayoub, CEO. "As the Foundation enters this pivotal final year, we’re asking everyone to help us cross the finish line and make this vision a reality."

Each of us can play a role in helping to ensure this goal is reached. The Foundation encourages residents and organizations to consider participating. Below are 5 high-impact ways to give, with some of our favorite examples from the past two years!

1. Donate a Gift. Every dollar counts. One-time or recurring donations can be made online, in person, or by mailing a check to PO Box 580, Mobridge, SD 5760 Some of our most memorable gifts in 2024 were Letty Fryhling’s lemonade stand fundraiser and Ken & Arlene Odde’s cattle donation. Your gifts make our staff feel so appreciated!
2. Sponsor a Room or Wing. Leave a legacy by sponsoring a room or area in the newly renovated hospital or clinic. We have some great naming rights opportunities still available. This year, signage for the Dr. Ben and Audrey Henderson Conference room was added and artwork planned once construction is complete. We also made plans for Dale’s Café, a future focal point of the facility, in honor of Dale Howe from her husband Charles.
3. Join Us for Events. A Kentucky Derby-themed Gala is set for May 3 this year and the golf tournament will be in September. We will have some fun online fundraising events for the first time this year too. Guests make these events memorable—one of our favorites last year was Tom Dafnis’ impromptu vocal performance with our jazz band at the gala last year—and we cordially invite you to attend any of our planned activities!
4. Spread the Word. Share our campaign updates with friends, family and social networks. Get the inside scoop by signing up for the Foundation’s free monthly e-newsletter at www.mobridgehospital.org/foundation/heartbeat. Some of our favorite articles from last year included Stacey Blankartz’s recounting of her surgery with Dr. Clay Harper and announcing the year-end matching opportunities from Dacotah Bank, Bridgemark Insurance Solutions, and Doug and Lori Heil of Doug Heil State Farm.
5. Volunteer. Some of the most inspiring gifts we received this year were gifts of time: Our Board members have donated a lot of time to meetings and events, First Interstate Bank offered their grilling skills at our first golf tournament, and Tom Forbes and Sam Merkel shared their time and stories with us on video for the Empowered Series, hosted by Meg Ryan, that is airing across the nation right now.

“Every past contribution, regardless of the type, ultimately improves access to high quality health care for all residents in our region,” says Merkel. “With this community’s spirit of generosity and shared commitment, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. Together, we can ensure that Mobridge Regional Hospital & Clinics remains a beacon of hope and healing for decades to come.”

If you’re curious about getting involved, would like to learn more about donation options, or want to share your giving plans, please reach out to Haden at 605-845-8180 or email haden.merkel@commonspirit.org.