DEL NORTE — The Upper Rio Grande School District’s common area filled with people over the weekend for the annual Keeping the Dream Alive fundraiser hosted by Rio Grande Hospital and everyone who attended had a wonderful time.

“We had a great evening, and it is all thanks to our community and our sponsors. We just couldn’t be what we are or do what we do without the support,” said Rio Grande Hospital Development and Communications Officer Eva Timberlake.

About 350 people gathered in the main entrance of the school to share a meal, hear some updates about the hospital and to donate to a wonderful cause.

According to Timberlake, everything provided during the event was thanks to the generous donations from an amazing community.

“We are always so touched by the community support that comes from every direction. One hundred percent of proceeds collected this year will go right back into the hospital and we are so thankful,” she said.

Rio Grande Hospital physicians and providers served a delicious meal and dessert to attendees that was donated by Ron and Glenda Martinez from Mountain View Restaurant in Monte Vista.

“Everyone enjoyed the meal and always enjoy having it served by our providers and physicians. It is some of what makes this night so special,” Timberlake said.

The hospital went above and beyond to welcome the community back to their annual fundraiser and was excited to finally host it again after having to wait two years due to the COVID pandemic.

“The Upper Rio Grande School District was so cooperative, and we can’t thank them enough for hosting our event. It was great to have the airconditioned space and our sunflower theme went perfectly with their venue,” Timberlake said.

Timberlake explained that the hospital chose sunflowers this year as their theme because the plant always turns its back to the darkness and faces the light.

“That is exactly what we have done these past two years. It took some time, but we are now turning away from the dark and we are once again facing the light,” she said.

After dinner, Rio Grande Hospital CEO Arlene Harms recognized two of the biggest supporting families for the hospital and thanked them for their years of dedication. Both the Off family and Skeff family suffered great loss earlier this year and in the fall of last year and the hospital wanted to take a moment to honor the memories of Gordon Off and Ray Skeff.

Last but definitely not least, the hospital wanted to thank the sponsors that support the event and the community that donated to the auction.

“We just can’t do it without you and that is the most important part,” Timberlake said.