Community generosity

SOAP LAKE — A November fundraiser for McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation generated enough money to pay for new televisions for all McKay residents. 

“We’ll be able to get the TVs installed before Christmas,” said Corinne Isaak, one of the organizers of the Gathered in Gratitude dinner. 

The dinner netted about $35,500 when all the expenses were paid, she said. Along with the new televisions, proceeds from the event were allocated to updating equipment in the facility’s physical therapy room. Isaak said Gathered in Gratitude may have raised enough to completely fund that project also. 

The dinner drew about 100 people, Isaak said.

“It was a really nice turnout and support for McKay,” she said.

    An attendee at the Gathered in Gratitude dinner looks over the silent auction items. The November dinner raised more than $35,000 for McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
  

McKay is an extended care facility and also offers housing and support for people undergoing rehabilitation. The dinner also was a chance to talk about McKay, its residents and activities.

The Columbia Basin Foundation, where Isaak works, has had a partnership with the McKay Foundation since 2020. Isaak said in an earlier interview that it’s a cause and a place that’s very important to her.

When her mom and dad moved to assisted living the nearest facility that fitted what they needed was in Spokane, she said. As a result she drove once a week to Spokane for the duration of their residence there, about 10 years. She said seniors and their families need a local option and McKay, in her opinion, provides that.

“It’s a wonderful senior living community right in the middle of Grant County,” she said.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com. A Moses Lake resident, she enjoys sewing and covering sports when she can.

    McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation commissioner Cindi Rang looks over the bidders during the Gathered in Gratitude dinner.