The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation is celebrating an incredible show of community support after its 2026 Luminosity Gala raised nearly $150,000 to support local health care.
Presented by EMPact Medical, Luminosity was held August 22 at Stuart Powell Field Airport in Danville, bringing together donors, businesses, physicians and community partners in support of the Foundation and its mission.
“Nearly $150,000 is an incredible amount to raise in one evening, but to me, the most important part is what that number represents,” said Brandie James, Philanthropy Coordinator for the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation. “It represents businesses, physicians, families and individuals who believe in our health system and believe in taking care of their community. Every sponsorship, auction bid, paddle raised and gift played a part in making this possible, and we are incredibly grateful.”
Funds raised through Luminosity help the Foundation support programs, equipment, technology and patient needs throughout Ephraim McDowell Health. Philanthropic support allows the Foundation to respond to needs across the health system and invest in opportunities that enhance care for patients and families throughout the region.
Foundation Board Chair Chris Davis said the success of the evening reflects the strong relationship between the Foundation and the community it serves.
“We are fortunate to have donors, businesses and community partners who understand the importance of investing in local health care,” Davis said. “On behalf of our Foundation Board, I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported Luminosity. The generosity shown that evening will make a meaningful difference for the patients and families we serve.”
Dr. Justin Kolasa, Vice Chair of the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation Board, also expressed his appreciation for the community’s continued support.
“Luminosity is a wonderful example of what can happen when people come together around a shared purpose,” Kolasa said. “Every donor and sponsor who supports the Foundation is helping us invest in the future of health care in our community, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership.”
Celebrating Those Who Make a Difference
Luminosity also provided an opportunity for the Foundation to recognize individuals and organizations whose generosity, service and commitment have made a lasting impact.
Becky Blevins received the Loyalty Award, recognizing 33 consecutive years of giving to the Foundation. Dr. Eric Guerrant was honored with the Physician Champion of the Year Award, and Drs. Justin and Katrina Kolasa were named Philanthropists of the Year. Hadley Russell received the Volunteer of the Year Award, First Southern National Bank was recognized with the Corporate Partner Award, and Farmers National Bank received the Jeffrey Thornton Legacy Award.
“These awards are one small way we can say thank you to people and organizations who have given so much to our Foundation,” James said. “Whether through giving, volunteering, advocacy or partnership, each of them has helped us make a difference, and we are incredibly fortunate to have their support.”
Thank You to Our Luminosity Sponsors
The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to EMPact Medical, the 2026 Luminosity Presenting Sponsor, as well as the many organizations and individuals whose sponsorships made the evening possible.
Silver Sponsors included Air Evac Lifeteam, First Southern National Bank, Atmos Energy, Bricker Graydon Wyatt and UK HealthCare.
The Foundation also recognizes its year-round Premier Partners, Farmers National Bank and WealthSouth, and Danville Office Equipment; Foundation Champion, Kentucky Trust Company; and Foundation Friends, Drs. Justin and Katrina Kolasa, Community Trust Bank, Baird Private Wealth Management, Messer Construction, Trim Masters Charitable Foundation and Northwestern Mutual.
Additional Luminosity sponsors included Chris Reed, Silent Auction Sponsor; TMPartners and Guerrant Real Estate, Entertainment Sponsors; Drs. Miranda and G. Swope Munday, Photobooth Sponsor; and McDaniel Wealth Management and Meridian Wealth Management, Signature Bar Sponsors.
Table Sponsors included Dan and Laresa McKay; Dr. Jason and Kayla Bowman; Dr. Fred Closson and Ephraim McDowell Gastroenterology; Dr. Ryan Carbaugh and Ephraim McDowell Gastroenterology; Central Kentucky Federal Savings Bank; Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center Medical Staff; Blue & Co.; Nick and Dana Spoonmore; Dr. Lynne W. Lynn and Dr. Tonya Goodin; Stoll Keenon Ogden; and Intercounty Energy.
The Foundation also thanks the individuals and businesses who donated auction items and experiences, the volunteers who gave their time and every guest who purchased a ticket, placed a bid, raised a paddle or contributed to the evening.
“When a donor gives to the Foundation, they become part of the impact we are able to make,” James said. “Luminosity may be one night, but the generosity shown that evening will continue making a difference long after the event is over. We simply could not do this work without our donors, sponsors and community, and we are so thankful for their continued support.”
The Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the healing environment provided by Ephraim McDowell Health through awareness, philanthropic leadership and support. Ephraim McDowell Health covers the Foundation’s day-to-day operating costs, allowing 100 percent of every donation to directly benefit projects serving communities throughout the region.
To learn more about the Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation or ways to support its mission, visit the Foundation’s website or call (859) 239-2362 or bjames@emhealth.org.
