WMHF serves up free shaved ice to show appreciation for support

People of all ages lined up at the hospital on Wednesday, June 19, not to have their blood pressure checked, rather to receive a free shaved ice.

 The 4th annual event is the Weiser Memorial Hospital Foundation’s way of thanking the community for their support of the hospital and the foundation.

 “We did great; we served 337 shaved ice in two hours,” said Foundation Executive Director Kimberly Burgess. “We had community members from all over the Weiser area join us and it was enjoyed by the young and the more seasoned community members. There was no age restriction there.”

 Sterling Shaved Ice owner Sterling Blackwell, who is a member of the Weiser City Council, set up canopies in the emergency room parking lot on the north side of the hospital and spent his time dishing ice into cups for the eager crowd. Once receiving ice, people were directed to another table where they could choose what flavor they wanted, creating a light and jovial atmosphere for all present.

 Young and old came to take advantage of the sweet, icy treat on what was a warm, sunny day.

 Burgess noted that volunteers handed out 272 shaved ice at the event last year, making this year’s 337 shaved ice giveaway a record.

 “It’s our way to give them a good experience at the hospital versus being here for a test or a broken arm or something,” she said. “It’s just a nice way to celebrate the community’s support of the hospital and the foundation.”

 Burgess also said that she was grateful for the many volunteers who worked to make the event successful.

 Founded in 1988, the organization is a citizen-driven effort to develop resources for the not-for-profit Weiser Memorial Hospital, which has an elected seven-member board of trustees and was awarded designation as a Critical Access Hospital in 2000. 

 That same year, the foundation reorganized, incorporated, and received 501c3 designation from the IRS. Since then, the foundation has secured more than $4 million through fundraising and grants to update the hospital’s medical equipment and building. The foundation organizes and hosts one of the community’s largest events, the Festival of Trees. This long-standing, week long community event involves more than 300 volunteers and raises approximately $100,000 annually to improve patient services.

 This year’s Festival of Trees has already been set for the week before Thanksgiving from Nov. 18-22, the planning committee launching its bi-weekly planning meetings beginning July 29. Volunteers are always needed, so think about signing up.

 For more information about the foundation, visit http://www.weisermemorialhospital.org/foundation.