An Evening Filled With Gratitude: GRH Foundation Recaps a Night of Celebration, Innovation, and Community Support
On December 3, the Grande Ronde Hospital (GRH) Foundation welcomed more than 60 guests into the beautiful new GRH Dining Room for its latest Evening of Gratitude, one of our favorite traditions for saying “thank you,” sharing project updates, and inviting new friends to learn more about the impact philanthropy makes on local healthcare.
And what an evening it was.
For those who joined us, thank you for bringing such energy and excitement to the room. And for those who missed it, we genuinely hope to see you next time! These gatherings continue to grow, and each one reminds us just how deeply this community believes in keeping exceptional care close to home.
Celebrating a Year of Recognition and Achievement
Foundation Manager Patrick Flynn kicked off the night with a look back at the incredible recognitions GRH earned this year. From quality awards to patient-care distinctions, GRH continues to be honored on both regional and national levels.
Flynn highlighted the Foundation’s role in supporting this standard of excellence, noting: “The Foundation has a small but important part to play in these recognitions. By placing the best tools and resources in the hands of our amazing staff, they can provide next-level care to our friends, family, and neighbors.”
It was a powerful reminder of what philanthropy makes possible — and why community support matters now more than ever.
Investing in the Future of Patient Care
Flynn also shared updates on major Foundation-supported projects completed this year, including:
- Upgrades to the Family Birthing Center, improving comfort, safety, and the patient experience for growing families.
- A significant $3.5 million investment into radiology and imaging, expanding into the former operating room space to create more capacity and install advanced diagnostic equipment.
These improvements are already making a difference for patients across Eastern Oregon, especially those who rely on timely, local access to specialty care.
Introducing the Next Frontier: The da Vinci Surgical System
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening came when Flynn welcomed GRH President/CEO Jeremy Davis to introduce the da Vinci surgical system, the next major innovation GRH is preparing to bring to our community.
GRH plans to implement the da Vinci platform in mid-2026, and the Foundation is enthusiastically leading the philanthropic effort to help make it possible.
To give attendees a firsthand look at the system’s impact, Flynn introduced surgeons Dr. David Sisul (Urology), Dr. Brandy McLendon (General Surgery), and Dr. Soren Madsen (OB/GYN) who joined remotely.
They shared how the da Vinci system can improve precision, reduce recovery times, and enhance outcomes across multiple specialties. Their passion for providing the best care locally resonated strongly with the audience, as did their optimism for what this technology will mean for patients throughout the region.
Davis and the surgeons also took time to answer audience questions, creating one of the most engaging and insightful Q&A sessions we’ve hosted.
Looking Ahead: The Holiday Match & Healthier Together Campaign
Before closing the evening, Flynn offered an update on the Foundation’s active initiatives, including the holiday match challenge, which multiplies year-end giving and supports the da Vinci project.
For those wanting more details on the match, the full announcement (and some inspiring reasons to give) can be found on our blog here: https://foundation.grh.org/foundation-news/grh-foundation-news-blog/match-announcement/
Flynn also shared updates on the broader Healthier Together Campaign, which continues to strengthen GRH’s long-term capacity, expand services, and invest in the future of care across our community.
Thank You for Being Part of This Momentum
The Evening of Gratitude once again demonstrated what makes this community extraordinary: generosity, curiosity, and a deep belief in supporting local healthcare.
To everyone who attended — thank you.
To everyone following along who couldn’t join us, we’d love to see you at the next event. These evenings are truly special, and your presence makes them even more so.
Together, we are building something remarkable.
Together, we are keeping world-class care right here at home.
Stay tuned for upcoming event announcements, project updates, and more stories of impact. We can’t wait to share what’s next.