The St. Charles Foundation announced that it has received an “Expanding the Vision” capital campaign gift of $10,128.19 from Redmond High School students who participated in the recent Mr. RHS Pageant and leadership class. The funds are designated for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and were raised by the students through a campaign they called “Kids Helping Kids,” which included a staff vs. students basketball game, a letter writing campaign to local businesses, and individual efforts.

“Our vision this year was to have the boys and their support committee become personally involved in the cause,” said Sara House, Leadership Advisor at the high school. In this spirit, the students paid several educational visits to the hospital to gain firsthand knowledge about the care that NICU infants need to survive. The students met with NICU families, caregivers and physicians.

“It really makes a difference to know that we are raising money that could help to save a new life,” said Marques Hase, a Mr. RHS contestant.

The capital campaign gift from the students will help to support a record $128 million investment in facilities, technology and equipment at St. Charles Medical Centers in Bend and Redmond to help keep pace with exploding growth in the region. In Redmond, projects include a three-story expansion that will include private patient rooms, enhanced surgical facilities, expanded public areas and room for future expansion to meet the needs of continued growth. Projects in Bend include an expanded emergency department, a new medical diagnostics unit, additional inpatient beds, a new power and utilities plant, a new helicopter for Air Life of Oregon and an expanded Family Birthing Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The investment is also paying for the electronic medical records system in Bend and Redmond, helping to reduce the risk of medical errors, improve patient care and increase efficiency.

“These students have so impressed us with their commitment to the health and future of our community,” said Doug Downer, general chair of the capital campaign. “They serve as an inspiration and leadership example for all of us. This gift is an honor to accept.”