(l-r) Gretchen Mattes, Cancer Care Navigator/Research Coordinator; Christine H. Hutnyk, CRNP, Grand View Health Surgery; Kim Rabago, Oncology Social Worker, Grand View Health; Barb Matkowski, Bingo Event Chair, Grand View Auxiliary; Monique Gary, DO, Medical Director, Grand View Health Cancer Program; Debbie Horne; Bingo Event Co-Chair, Grand View Auxiliary; Cheryl Murray, Bingo Event Co-Chair, Grand View Auxiliary; Vickie Keeler, Director of Cancer Services, Grand View Health
On a beautiful March sunny Sunday afternoon over 350 competitive bingo players filled the cafeteria at Pennridge High School Cafeteria for The Grand View Auxiliary Designer Purse Bingo to benefit the community of Grand View Health that is navigating and battling breast cancer. This energetic group was met with dozens of raffle ticket baskets for chances to win everything from a three-month membership to Planet Fitness and day passes to Longwood Gardens to a gift card to Arielle’s Country Inn and a gift card to Broad Theater. There was also a 50/50 raffle, and three special raffle baskets valued at over $500 each that were filled to the brim with many local vendors generous donations from such places as The Washington House, Chantilly Floral Boutique, Coastal Vibes, Jesse’s Barbecue, and Blooming Glen Pork.
The purse bingo fundraiser was graciously hosted and emceed by Grand View Health’s own Mark Horne, Senior Operations VP, Grand View Health / Penn Cancer Network medical director Monique Gary, DO, and event chair Barbara Matkowski, Debbie Horne and Cheryl Murray of the Grand View Auxiliary.
Dr. Monique Gary serves as the Medical Director of the Grand View Health / Penn Cancer Network cancer program, where she also serves as director of the breast program. Lovingly referred to as “Dr. Mo” to her patients, she sums up the fundraiser perfectly.
“Every year the Grand View Health auxiliary outdoes themselves in raising funds for breast program, and this year is no exception. The outstanding work of this committee has resulted in a $20,000 donation which has surpassed all prior fundraising efforts for our program! Every dollar helps patients in our local community with treatment and support services.
We are so grateful for the unwavering support that truly embodies the Grand View spirit- this IS us, together. Growing, and truly built to serve our community.”
The hundreds of competitive players proved the power of generosity over inflation by helping raise a record-breaking total of $20,500!
Fundraiser chair, Barb Matkowski: “This day is very special to me. It is so successful because of my amazing co-chairs, Debbie and Cheryl, who work year-round on this event, the ladies of the Auxiliary, all the players, the generosity of many businesses that donate the coveted raffle prizes and finally to all our wonderful sponsors, Alderfer Real Estate, Alliance Cancer, Leidy’s Meats and Franconia Insurance and Financial Services.”
The Auxiliary hosts a variety of fundraising activities each year, including longstanding and beloved traditions such as the 50th Annual Golf Tournament, which is set for Aug. 7 this year, and the Annual Festival of Lights holiday celebration, which will mark its 40th year on Dec. 6, 2023.
The Auxiliary also operates the Recovery Room Thrift Shop and Gift Shop on the hospital campus.
The Auxiliary supports Grand View’s efforts throughout the community by raising funds to ensure the hospital continues its mission of leading our community to a healthier future. For more information on the Auxiliary and how to participate, call 215-453-4381 or visit gvh.org/auxiliary.
About This Is Us Together
At Grand View Health, we believe every one of us has a role to play in making our community healthy and strong. That’s why we’ve embarked on a capital campaign called This Is Us Together to support the construction of a 190,000 square foot addition to the hospital opening ahead of schedule, April 2023, that will ensure exceptional healthcare in a familiar place, right here, close to home. For more information on the campaign and pavilion plans, visit gvh.org/together.
About Grand View Health Foundation
The Grand View Health Foundation raises funds to improve the health and wellness of residents in Bucks and Montgomery counties. Their mission is to ensure the delivery of quality care, exceptional patient experiences, and innovative medical treatments close to where residents live, work and raise their families.