Tapestry of Care Gala
A community woven together by generosity: how philanthropy continues to shape care at PeaceHealth St. John
For more than two decades, community members have gathered each December in support of PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center and the care of our community — a tradition rooted in generosity, partnership and Mission.
The PeaceHealth St. John Gala has long been a reflection of that belief. For 25 years, donors and supporters have come together at the Gala to strengthen local care and stand alongside our caregivers and clinicians. That generosity has resulted in more than $5 million in philanthropic support for PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center.
A night that reflects our shared purpose
Held December 13, 2025, the evening celebrated excellence in care and the community’s ongoing partnership in advancing that work. With a focus on providing quality care through the Greatest Needs Fund and a vital investment in cancer care technology, the Gala showcased how philanthropy ensures patients have access to exceptional care close to home.
Throughout the night, the sense of connection was unmistakable. From a vibrant social hour filled with music and conversation to a dinner program grounded in gratitude and reflection, the energy in the room spoke volumes. Caregivers sat alongside longtime donors. Community leaders connected with clinicians. Each carried their own personal story of why PeaceHealth St. John matters to them.
That shared commitment translated into meaningful impact. More than $500,000 was raised in a single evening to support PeaceHealth St. John’s Greatest Needs, providing vital flexibility to respond wherever care is needed most. During the paddle raise, the community came together in a powerful display of generosity, including two momentum-sparking gifts of $50,000 that inspired giving throughout the room.
Turning generosity into lifesaving care
The Gala also marked a milestone moment for cancer care in the Lower Columbia region. With leadership from the Foundation Board and broad community support, the evening celebrated the successful completion of fundraising for the replacement of PeaceHealth St. John’s new linear accelerator - a critical piece of technology that supports lifesaving cancer treatment close to home. The campaign’s close was made possible in part by a $100,000 gift from the Jolene McCaw Family Foundation, finalized just a day before the big event, allowing us to announce that the fundraising goal had officially been met. That announcement was met with gratitude and pride, underscoring what is possible when a community rallies around a shared goal.
One of the most moving moments of the evening honored C.R. Kim, MD, whose career exemplifies PeaceHealth’s calling to provide compassionate, high-quality care. As Dr. Kim was recognized for his legacy of healing and hope, guests watched footage of the new linear accelerator being lowered into place - a powerful reminder that individual dedication and collective generosity work hand in hand to advance care for patients in our community.
That same spirit was reflected in a letter shared from Steve Oliva, a longtime supporter of PeaceHealth Southwest whose philanthropic journey has spanned decades. Born at PeaceHealth St. John more than 85 years ago, Oliva spoke to the full-circle nature of gratitude and his desire to support the medical community that once cared for him and his family. Alongside his wife Jan, the Olivas made a $500,000 gift toward the Linear Accelerator project, their first gift to St. John. This gift marked a meaningful investment in PeaceHealth St. John and its future, helping ensure patients across the region have access to the latest cancer treatment technology.
Moments like these are why the PeaceHealth St. John Gala continues to resonate year after year. It is not just an evening of celebration but a living expression of PeaceHealth’s Mission - grounded in gratitude, strengthened by partnership and sustained by community generosity.
As PeaceHealth St. John looks ahead, the impact of this year’s Gala will extend far beyond a single, cold December night. It will be felt in advanced technology available close to home, in caregivers equipped to meet evolving needs and in a community that continues to carry forward a legacy of healing. Together, this community is shaping the future of care at PeaceHealth St. John.
About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.
