The Gothenburg Health Foundation will pause its annual gala in 2027 while it explores a new long-term strategy focused on building a lasting base of community support for local health care.

The Foundation Board of Directors approved the pause this fall as part of a broader look at how the Foundation can best support Gothenburg Health in the years ahead. In 2027, the Foundation will focus on growing a network of donors whose ongoing gifts help keep quality care close to home. The board will also consider whether a gala held every other year, or when a specific financial need or cause arises, should be part of the Foundation's future.

"For many years, the gala has brought our community together, and we are deeply grateful to every sponsor, volunteer and guest who made it possible," said Karl Randecker, president of the Gothenburg Health Foundation. "This pause gives us time to look carefully at how we can best sustain Gothenburg Health, not just next year, but for generations. We're not closing the door on the gala. We want to make sure the Foundation is ready for whatever needs the future brings."

Gothenburg Health recently completed nearly a decade of construction and expansion. With those projects finished, the Foundation is focusing on long-term financial stability for the hospital and its clinic.

That stability matters. Rural hospitals face growing challenges, including uncertain state and federal funding and changes in how insurers pay for care. Many rural communities across the country have lost their hospitals altogether.

"Having a hospital in our own town is something we can never take for granted," said Andrew Knust, Gothenburg Health CEO. "Our community deserves excellent care right here, and the hospital's partnership with the Foundation ensures that care will still be here for our children and grandchildren."

The Foundation's annual golf tournament will continue as usual. Proceeds from the tournament fund scholarships for local high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field.

Community members can show their support Nov. 12 during Give Big Gothenburg, the community's online day of giving. Gifts to the Foundation can be made athttps://www.givebiglexington.org/story/Gothenburghealth.

The Foundation is already putting community support to work. Bomgaars donated 5% of sales from its Nov. 1 Ladies' Night to the Foundation, which will use the funds to provide Chemo Comfort Totes for local patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Every gift is part of the Foundation's ongoing "Gift of Health" campaign, which celebrates the power of community to ensure high-quality care close to home for young families, cancer patients and everyone in between.

"Everything the Foundation does is possible because of the people of this community," Randecker said. "We hope people will consider continuing their support of local health care."

The Gothenburg Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For more information, contact Roxanne Converse-Whiting at 308-537-1051 or rconversewhiting@gothenburghealth.org.