The Health Center at Lincoln fundraiser brings in $15,000

The Health Center at Lincoln fundraiser brings in $15,000
The Health Center at Lincoln held its first annual "Chocolate Journey" fundraiser on Saturday, April 28 at Dunham Cellars Winery. The event raised $15K for programing to promote the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of some of Walla Walla's highest need children -- the students of Lincoln High School.

The chocolate-themed event featured gourmet chocolate small plates and desserts, as well as wine and a silent auction. Approximately 170 friends of The Health Center came out to support the event. Restaurants providing food were: Brasserie Four, T. Maccarone's, Olive, Frosted, Cugini Imports, Arrowhead Chocolates (Joseph, OR) and Whitehouse Crawford. Wine was provided by Dunham Cellars.

Many local wineries, merchants and individuals donated items for the silent auction which included several rare bottles of wine, original artwork, custom jewelry and a catered barbeque feast for six.

Mick Miller, Superintendent of Walla Walla Public Schools, spoke passionately about the need for The Health Centers services and the importance of the community's continuing to support The Health Center's work, alluding to a possible future collaboration between the District and The Health Center to provide on-site health care to the students of Blue Ridge Elementary.

The Health Center at Lincoln provides free medical, mental health and social support services to youths attending Lincoln High School. Many of their clients are dealing with serious health and/or social issues, including the lack of family support.

Most would not access services on their own were it not for The Health Center at Lincoln, which is located next door to the school and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and caring, non-judgmental staff.

Research conducted by the National Assembly of School Based Health Centers shows that students who use school-based health centers for medical care are less likely to visit hospital emergency rooms and are more likely to stay in school; students who use school-based mental health services show increases in their grade point averages.

"The Health Center at Lincoln is making a real difference in the lives of Walla Walla's children. Our first major fundraiser is behind us, but our journey is just beginning," says Executive Director, Holly Howard.