Kadlec Foundation was awarded three grants totaling $23,500 in March for equipment in the area’s only level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and for the Kadlec Academy program. 

Grant awards are as follows:

• $20,000 from The Wildhorse Foundation towards the purchase of NICU beds
• $2,000 from Northwest Farm Credit Services towards the purchase of NICU beds
• $1,500 from Walmart Kennewick towards the Kadlec Academy after school health program

NICU Beds

Some current beds in Kadlec’s level III neonatal intensive care unit are aging beyond repair. The NICU cares for our region’s smallest and most fragile premature infants and having the best technology available is a responsibility the medical center takes very seriously. In response, Kadlec Regional Medical Center submitted a grant request to Kadlec Foundation to fund five new beds (three OmniBeds and two radiant warmers) to replace the older units initiating a small capital campaign by Kadlec Foundation to donors for the over $126,000 project.

Three of the requested beds are OmniBeds which are necessary in the first 30 days of a preemie’s stay for temperature, humidity and sound control as premature infants are not able to adequately acclimatize to the natural environment. The beds also have monitoring equipment, ease patient transferring, and have an in-bed scale and a specialized mattress; all of which make it easier to access and treat the infant – ultimately making the stay safer and more comfortable for the patient and family. The OmniBeds convert to radiant warmers once the infant is able to be in an environment with the bed’s hood raised.

The grant awards from The Wildhorse Foundation and Northwest Farm Credit Services add towards the total cost of the beds with a grant funded in late 2018 by the Beverly J. Jewell Foundation in the amount of $50,000. The remainder of the project will be paid through the Pediatric Champions fund which is made up primarily through proceeds from Kadlec Foundation’s Kidz Dig Rigz event held every May. 

Kadlec Academy

Kadlec Academy is a free four-week, after school program targeted to students in grades 1 through 5 throughout the Tri-Cities. A program coordinator and countless volunteers help to educate students on the brain, lungs, heart and nutrition with the goal of teaching life-long healthy living. Each session includes hands-on education, exercise and a healthy snack. The Walmart grant will be used to help fund program expenses like equipment and nutrition for the elementary students.

Kadlec and Kadlec Foundation are extremely grateful to The Wildhorse Foundation, Northwest Farm Credit Services and Walmart for supporting our efforts to elevate community health. It is only because of our generous donors that we are able to continue to meet the philanthropic needs of Kadlec, the only not-for-profit hospital system in our community.

For more information on supporting these projects, email Nikki.Ostergaard@kadlec.org or call (509) 942-2661. Find us online at www.kadlec.org/foundation. 

The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board has approved awarding (1) $2,000.00 scholarship for each of the three high schools in the Prosser Memorial Health service area including: Prosser, Grandview and Kiona-Benton. This scholarship is available to seniors pursuing a higher education degree in the healthcare industry.

“The Prosser Memorial Health Foundation Board and its Auxiliary Volunteers are excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to seniors in our community. We want to encourage and support students who are interested in a career in the healthcare industry whether that be as a doctor, nurse or healthcare administrator – all play an important role in Prosser Memorial Health’s ability to deliver high quality, affordable healthcare to the communities we serve,” said Shannon Hitchcock, Executive Director.

Applications must be received by May 1, 2019 and are available now on the Foundation website at prosserhealth.foundation. Completed applications may be emailed to shannonh@prosserhealth.org.

On Saturday, May 11, 2019, the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation will host its 9th Annual Run for Ribbons at Howard Amon Park in Richland. Run for Ribbons is a 5k, 10k and 1 mile run/walk community event to raise awareness and promote prevention of all forms of cancer. There will be a Ribbonfest Cancer Awareness Health Fair from 8:30 – 11am that is free to the community and will feature educational booths on oral cancer, tobacco cessation, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, testicular, brain, skin and colon cancers.

To register as an individual or as a team, please visit www.runforribbons.org or call (509) 737-3413 by Friday, May 10. Cost is $25 Adults / $15 Youth (3-18yrs) if pre-registered by May 10. Registrations can be made in person on race day for $30 Adults / $20 youth. Registration fee does not include a t-shirt. Participants can purchase an event t-shirt for $10 featuring a blank ribbon, which can be customized or decorated to honor a memory, celebrate survival, or simply encourage hope.
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What: Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation’s 9th Annual Run for Ribbons
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019; Check-in and Ribbonfest at 8:30am; Run/Walk Begins at 10am
Where: Howard Amon Park, Richland, WA

Run for Ribbons is sponsored by Umpqua Bank, Kadlec, Lourdes Health, Hayden Homes, Babcock Services Inc., Windermere Group One, Conover Insurance and SERVPRO. All funds raised stay local and provide valuable non-reimbursed cancer programs and services for patients, their families, and the community.

The Toyota of Tri-Cities Playground of Dreams in Kennewick’s Columbia Park is temporarily closed for construction until late May. Volunteers are helping city crews prepare for installation of additional toys that will double the size of the partial structure that was constructed last year. 

The original wood playground that endured 19 years of weather and heavy use deteriorated, prompting its replacement with a modern one that is safer and allows children of diverse abilities to play side-by-side with their peers. To remain compliant with safety standards and reduce risks of injury, the wood playground was removed last fall to make way for features the community identified during public input events, including an inclusive design and custom toys. City of Kennewick Parks and Recreation Director Emily Estes-Cross reported while parts of the wood above ground looked to be healthy after years of resealing, during demolition it was discovered sections of the structure foundation were rotting.  

The installation of the next phase of toys and the smooth surface that can be navigated by people with mobility limitations is largely funded by sponsor Toyota of Tri-Cities. Details will be unveiled in late April. In the meantime, volunteers from Lamb Weston are preparing the ground for the manufacturer to install the next phase. 

Final completion of the playground is contingent upon sponsorship funds secured. The city budgeted $325,000 toward the $1 million inclusive playground, and is fundraising for the final $117,000 to complete.
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Inscribed pickets purchased by donors that made up the fence line of the original playground are available for pickup at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex during business hours. More information and a link to donate to the rebuild are available at www.go2kennewick.com/PlaygroundOfDreams.

For more information, please contact Emily Estes-Cross at (509) 585-4258 or emily.estes-cross@ci.kennewick.wa.us.

HomeStreet Bank is proud to host Mikey’s Chance Canine Rescue for a pet adoption event. Mikey’s Chance focuses on finding and rescuing long term shelter dogs that are at risk of being put down. The organization also helps with individuals that need to rehome their own dogs or find homes for strays. Dogs are placed in private foster homes where they can receive attention and care.
 
HomeStreet Bank will be manning the grill, cooking up hot dogs and snacks for free. There will also be raffle prizes and the branch is currently collecting dog food, treats, and toys leading up to the event. HomeStreet Bank prides themselves in connecting with local non-profits and having a positive impact in the communities they serve. 
 
The event is located at the HomeStreet Bank at 7510 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA, 99336 and will be from 11AM-2PM on April 20th. 

Benton County Fire District 4 is asking residents and businesses in its service area to prepare for wildland fire season now. Rain and snow allow brush to grow and die off quickly in the spring, which provides fuel for wildland fires in the summer and fall months.

“Our ‘suburbs’ in Benton County border significant areas of brush and grassland. A few quick steps can reduce the risk of wildland fire on your property,” said Fire Chief Bill Whealan. 

What a homeowner may regard as just an overgrown bush near their garage (or long grass in the yard) is actually a quick burning fuel source. And for firefighters, this could mean a long fight to save the home if this fuel source should ignite.

To begin, firefighters and apparatus cannot go into areas where they have no egress options. Provide good access to your home and/or shop for allowing firefighting vehicles the ability to get onto your property as well as be able to turn around and leave your property.

Firefighters also need to be able to locate you in case of a 911 call. Have your address posted on your driveway entrance as well as your house. 

Creating a “fire barrier” to homes and outbuildings is critical. Some simple tips to protect structures are as follows:

• Maintain a 30-foot defensible space around your home.
  
• Keep lawns well-watered.
  
• Are there combustible trees or shrubs too close to your home? They may need to be pruned or removed.     
  
• Clean gutters and roofs of any debris regularly.     
  
• Screen off crawl spaces, attics and decks to keep them free of debris, as well as any flying embers.     
  
• Do NOT store combustibles, such as wood piles, under your deck or near your home.     

These are just basic recommendations to help emergency vehicles access your home and other structures and be resistant to wildland fires. More information can be found on Benton County Fire District 4’s web site at www.bcfd4.org under Fire Prevention & Safety.

Fire District 4 also offers a free home inspection service to provide tailored recommendations to create a defensible space. Interested parties can contact any on duty officer at (509) 967-2945. 

Kadlec Foundation is gearing up for Kidz Dig Rigz coming May 18 to Columbia Park in Kennewick. The fundraising event, which benefits pediatric patients at Kadlec, brings kids of all ages to the park to experience big rigs of all kinds including fire trucks, tractors, monster trucks and more. 

This event is only made possible with our generous sponsors and our amazing volunteers. We need volunteers with a heart for service and a passion for helping kids of all ages. It takes over 300 volunteers to make this fundraising event successful! 

Volunteers receive a day pass, a t-shirt, a meal for full time shifts and a day of fun! Learn more and volunteer at www.kadlec.org/foundation, email foundation@kadlec.org or call us at 942-2661.

All proceeds benefit the Toyota of Tri-Cities Playground of Dreams rebuild!

Join the community for an exciting lunch and bid on several live and silent auction items that will make you say WOW! Items include VIP and vacation packages as well as a Seahawks Legends Autographed Helmet, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus Autographed Masters Flag, Eagles Autographed Album, Taylor Swift Autographed Music Sheet and more. Join us for games and an exclusive limited edition auction item. Only 25 are available in the world and it could be yours.

Toyota of Tri-Cities Playground of Dreams Fundraiser Luncheon and Auction April 17 from 11:30am - 1:30 pm at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex Pavilion. Secure your company table of 8 for $500 or individual seat for $62.50 per person. Call 585-5182 to reserve your table. Businesses can donate a live and silent auction items by contacting Riley at 585-4339.

For more information, please contact Brandon Lange at (509) 585-4279 or brandon.lange@ci.kennewick.wa.us.

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers (MCM) are pleased to present a concert of Baroque choral music by master composers J. S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi.

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers Treble Choir, led by Associate Conductor Reginald Unterseher, will perform a concert program called High Baroque that will feature two extended works by celebrated Baroque era composers: Vivaldi's Gloria and Bach's arrangement of Psalm 51, Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden.

The MCM Treble Choir is made up of soprano and alto members of the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers Symphonic Choir. This concert will feature individual singers in several solos and
duets, and both works will be accompanied by chamber orchestra.

Also appearing on the program at the Friday and Saturday concerts will be two of the Mastersingers Youth (MY) Choirs: the Girls’ Choir, directed by Marianne Larsen, and the Young Women’s Choir, directed by Jolyn Glenn. The MY Choirs will sing a variety of a cappella songs, as well as songs with piano accompaniment and percussion, reflecting on the themes of joy, hope, peace, and beauty in the world around us.

The performances will be Friday and Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 7:30pm, with a 3:00pm matinee on Sunday, April 14, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kennewick. There will be a “Behind the Music” talk 30 minutes before each concert. Tickets are $25 for adults, and free for K-12 students. This production is part of the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers 2018-19 season, and tickets can be purchased online at www.mcmastersingers.org or by calling 509-460-1766.

To receive free notifications about Mastersingers concerts and events, join our text club by texting the word “choir” to 78816.