On May 4, the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation held a Diamond Derby fundraiser for the BuildCMH Expansion Project at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. Thanks to auctioneer John Curley, emcee, Adam Bjaranson from KOIN TV, and donations, over $330,000 was raised.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the community,” Mark Kujala, executive director of the CMH Foundation, said.

More than 350 people attended the Kentucky Derby watch party, with food from White Cap Catering and desserts from the CMH Nutrition Services Department. CMH Foundation event committee chairwoman, Michelle Murray, and Briana Smith of Events NW led a team to transform the fairgrounds for the derby.

Guests could bid on live auction items and experiences, as well as enter the Winner’s Circle raffle for a chance to win a diamond necklace handcrafted by Holly McHone Jewelers in Astoria. Those attending also got a look at the most recent model and renderings of the expanded CMH facility. It was also announced that new the surgical suites would be named in honor of Dr. Bob Wayne.

Local ceramic artist Richard Rowland presented wood-fired art pieces to the project’s lead donors as a thank you gift. Lead gifts for the expansion include: CareOregon, $2,000,000; Shawn and Paula Teevin, $500,000; Pierre Sundborg, $250,000; John Crawford and Jody Stahancyk, $250,000; Linda Moreland,  $250,000; Hampton Lumber Company, $250,000; Constance Waisanen, honorary event chairwoman, $100,000; Warrenton Fiber Co. and the Nygaard Family, $100,000; and Englund Marine & Industrial Supply, $100,000.

For information about the CMH expansion project, go to columbiamemorial.org/buildcmh.