NorthShore Health Centers celebrates employees, supporters, and sponsors at first fundraising gala to end 2025 campaign

When you reach a milestone like 30 years of consistency, it’s important to recognize it with something special. NorthShore Health Centers welcomed its employees, supporters, and sponsors to a gala to close out the 2025 campaign at the Duneland Fall Banquet Center. 

This event was a fundraising gala, with the goal to utilize funds in a way that helps patients get the care they need, regardless of their financial situation. David Hall, CEO of NorthShore Health Centers, considers this event to be unlike anything the organization has ever done before.

“This is the first gala that we’ve ever done,” Hall said. “We’ve never done an event this large before. It’s very humbling to get donations and see how many people truly believe in the mission to help us continue to do that. It’s also nice for all of our staff to be able to get together in one event space.”

Rachel Sanchez, chief operating officer of NorthShore Health Centers, hopes that the gala will help raise funds for people within their patient pool who can’t afford the care they need.

“The biggest impact that we’re going to see from this is by providing care for more people,” Sanchez said. “We see people all the time who need a mammogram or a lab test. There are just so many different things that they can’t afford, even with insurance. It’s super expensive, so being able to have that room to provide more for people is our main goal.”

Not only did this event bring together NorthShore employees, but also their close friends and family members. Hundreds of supporters came to the Duneland Falls Banquet Center to celebrate three decades. One part of this celebration included an award presentation to six individuals who have helped improve NorthShore.

“It’s so cool to think about this being a 30th anniversary because we started so small,” Sanchez said. “The amount of people that we’ve been able to impact is incredible. We have a range of award winners this year, some whom have even been here since the beginning. We’ve evolved and grown over the past 30 years, and these award winners have kept helping us make that possible.”

The Torchbearer Award was presented to Janice Wilson for illuminating the way with a combination of vision, courage, and integrity. Connie Rudd was the recipient of the Heart and Hands Award for providing selfless service and unwavering dedication to others. The Guiding Star Award went to the McKay Family for helping shape futures and inspire minds by way of education. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton was recognized with the Voice of Change Award for championing causes and driving meaningful progress in Northwest Indiana. Dr. Leonard Ostrowski received the Healing Light Award for providing exceptional care, compassion, and clinical excellence.

Ostrowski, who serves as a Doctor of Medicine, has not only been the longest employee, but he’s been a part of the NorthShore team since the start. He was one of the first doctors at NorthShore, including being a primary care provider for Hall. Being recognized with the Healing Light Award is a fulfilling moment for all he has done at NorthShore for the past 30 years.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be associated with this organization,” Ostrowski said. “I’ve been with them since the beginning, when they were looking for an interim medical director. It’s been a wonderful experience with lots of changes and different nurses, doctors, and medical assistants. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

At the end of the presentation for the five main awards, there was one surprise award that recognized five nominees and one winner to close out the celebration of recognized individuals. This honor was the North Star Award, which recognized an individual for being a constant source of excellence, reliability, and impact at NorthShore. The employees’ nominees included Sarah Brentlinger, Karen Knight, Veronica Sanchez, Peige Larby, and Joe Amato.

Sanchez was this year’s recipient of the North Star Award. As a patient service representative who works for behavioral health, her biggest priority is to be there for people who have gone through turbulent times.

“I never really thought or expected to be recognized like this by my peers, so it means a lot to receive this award,” Sanchez said. “I just try to do the best I can for patients, trying to be a resource hub for others.” 

The Times Media Company was the Crystal Snowflake Sponsor for this fundraising gala. 

“NorthShore has done so much for the community and touched lives all across Northwest Indiana,” said Advertising Director Roxanne Clark. “It’s an honor for us to be able to help them with this event by showing our support and giving back to them.”

The Bronze Bells Sponsors included Labcorp, MedTrainer, Adams Media Group, and Ameristar Casino. The Golden Rings Sponsor for this event was Peoples Bank. The Tinsel Table Sponsors included Horseshoe Hammond, Methodist Hospitals, Sendra Service Corporation, Chicago Vein Institute, Ignite Medical Resorts, Skillman Corporation, eState Jewelers, and Aaron and Christina McDermott.

As NorthShore celebrates 30 years of excellence, the 2025 campaign has reached its end. Hall is hoping for continued success next year and beyond.

“We just want to continue the mission and uplift everyone’s spirits,” Hall said. “Healthcare is challenging, and it gets a little bit more challenging every year. Going into 2026 and seeing how much dedication our staff and the community has truly means a lot.”

After the award presentation, everyone played a game of Heads or Tails for a chance to walk away with a prize for winning. Entertainment was provided by The Teacha’s Band and sponsored by Duneland Falls.

For more information on NorthShore Health Centers, you can northshorehealth.org.