More than 400 guests attended Baptist Health Foundation’s 2022 Bougainvillea Bash on March 26 at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada. The bash — a reimagined event based on the foundation’s annual Bougainvillea Ball — raised $632,685 toward the purchase of a state-of-the-art Siemens MRI scanner at Mariners Hospital, part of Baptist Health.
The scanner will provide physicians with the most accurate diagnoses and offer a patient-friendly experience with a spacious opening and faster, more efficient imaging capabilities.
“Even though it was a bit different than usual, this year’s Bougainvillea Bash was a huge success,” said Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “We are very grateful to our donors and corporate partners who remain committed to this annual fundraising event. They are helping provide advanced diagnostic care for residents and visitors in the upper Keys.”
Celebrated under the stars on the tennis courts of the Cheeca Lodge resort, the Bougainvillea Bash featured interactive dinner and dessert stations, a live auction and D.J. entertainment. The event also featured a prize raffle sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Marina. The winner of the 2022 Hewes 16-foot Redfisher in Atlantic Blue, Yamaha F90 and AmeraTrail Trailer was Dynis Medina. Caribee Boat Sales & Marina of Islamorada is a longtime sponsor of the Bougainvillea Ball and has donated boats to support the Mariners Hospital raffle for the past 19 years.
The Bougainvillea Bash event committee was chaired by Holly Merrill Raschein and included Emily Carter, Maggie Diaz, Linsey Ekblom, Christina Steele and Claudia Stober. Platinum sponsors included Steven and Kathy Holmes, and Lindy & Joe Roth. Gold sponsors included Gary and Kathy Marowske, and Ray and Mary Jane Tacoma.
Mariners Hospital in Tavernier is the only hospital in the Upper Keys, serving the community since 1962. It is a top-rated hospital in Florida for its quality, safety of care and low readmission rate. Some of the hospital’s services include emergency care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, cardiopulmonary, oncology care, orthopedics, rehabilitation, wound care, hyperbaric medicine and a Wellness Center.
“Mariners Hospital has deep roots in the Upper Keys,” said Jay Hershoff, chair of the hospital’s board. “The caring and compassion of the hospital’s clinical staff has created relationships for life, and the Bougainvillea Bash is an opportunity for the community to come together and support them with the resources they need.”
