Fall 2025 TFHS Foundation News

As summer comes to a close in Truckee, we welcome the crisp air of fall. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the unwavering generosity and commitment of our donors. We are rooted in community, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without you. We’re excited to share the latest updates and stories that highlight the impact of your contributions and the power of community in action.

In this issue, you’ll find an invitation to the Foundation’s Best Of fundraiser—a new tradition inspired by the beloved Best of Tahoe Chefs! We’re also proud to announce a new board member and celebrate this year’s Tom and Pam Hobday Spirit of Giving Award recipient. Plus, we highlight the outstanding work of our mammography team.

Your steadfast support is essential to advancing health care here in the Truckee Tahoe region, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care close to home. From cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to innovative health programs, every dollar raised directly impacts the well-being of our community. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.

In gratitude,

Karli Bunnell
Executive Director

Introducing the inaugural Best Of—a new tradition inspired by the beloved Best of Tahoe Chefs!

An elegant evening celebrating the spirit of philanthropy, rooted in community, featuring delicious bites from some of the region’s best chefs thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from Northern California. Presented by the Best Of Title Sponsor, Julie and Michael Teel, Owners of Raley’s, we invite you to join us November 1st on the shores of North Lake Tahoe for an unforgettable evening celebrating food, wine, and community.

Featured Chefs & Wineries

• Conor Ball, Martis Camp
• Will Burns, Moody’s Bistro Bar & Beats
• Jack Connell, Tahoe Donner
• Brandon Dubea, Old Town Tap
• Ben Knox & Corey Kelso, Tahoe Forest Health System
• Pablo Martinez, Drunken Monkey
• Daniella Rinaldi, Sierra Bakehouse
• Alex Tolger, Mogrog Rotisserie
• Chris Watkins, Six Peaks Grill, Everline
• Scott Yorkey, Private Chef/Catering
• Big Basin Vineyards
• Gary Farrell Winery
• Lava Cap Winery
• ONEHOPE Wine
• Pride Mountain Vineyards
• VGS Chateaux Potelle
• Vino Noceto
• Winery Sixteen 600

With your support, the future of Tahoe Forest Health System is full of exciting possibilities. As we expand services, enhance capabilities, and invest in advanced medical technology, every gift makes a meaningful difference. As a community-supported organization, 100% of donations go directly toward improving patient care, strengthening programs, and meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our growing region.

Both General Admission and VIP ticket options are available. Those with VIP tickets are granted early admission to the celebration and an invitation to a special reception with two exclusive chefs paired with Pride Mountain Vineyards from 4 pm – 5 pm.

Tickets and sponsorships are available.

Please join us in welcoming our newest TFHS Foundation Board Member, Dr. Aaron Gladman!

Dr. Gladman has been a dedicated Emergency Room physician at Tahoe Forest since 2014 and currently serves as the Chair of Emergency Medicine for both Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital, a position he has held since 2020. He completed medical school at UC Davis and graduated from the Harbor-UCLA Emergency Medicine Residency in 2008.

A full-time Truckee resident since 2017, Dr. Gladman is deeply committed to the health and well-being of our community. He and his wife, Kate, are raising two children who attend local schools and understand firsthand the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare for families in our region.

We are grateful to have Dr. Gladman’s frontline experience, leadership, and passion for community care on the Foundation Board!

We were thrilled to recognize the 2025 Tom and Pam Hobday Spirit of Giving Award recipient, Marie Clukey, for her remarkable contributions toward the enrichment of healthcare in our community. Her efforts have helped elevate Tahoe Forest Health System, leading to significant and transformational change.

The Spirit of Giving Award is the namesake of Tom and Pam Hobday, whose dedication to Tahoe Forest Health System inspires us all.

Barbara Wong, a fellow community member nominated Marie for this award sharing the following:

“As a dedicated volunteer, Marie has enriched the lives not only of patients but of employees. She untiringly volunteers in ECC, calling out BINGO games and providing comfort and companionship to the residents. Her attention to patients led her to recommend changes in the cafeteria, leading to ADA dedicated tables. Her compassion has been evidenced numerous times in Hospice, and her smiling face greets all entering the hospital lobby. She took on the task of onboarding other volunteers, demonstrating the joys of volunteering and allowing HR employees to focus on other tasks.”

On behalf of Tahoe Forest Health System, the Foundation team extends our sincere appreciation to Marie for her volunteerism and commitment to Tahoe Forest Hospital.

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and join us for the 2nd Annual Fun Run at Truckee Regional Park on Saturday, October 11, 2025! The event will feature something for everyone — including a 1-mile walk for families and casual participants, a 5K for recreational runners, and a 10K for those looking for more of a challenge. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, it’s a great way to celebrate community health and Walktober.

Register for the race. We can’t wait to see you there!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Truckee Police Department is proud to participate in the Pink Patch Project! Throughout October, officers will wear their Pink Patches, and we invite you to join us in supporting breast cancer awareness.

This year, the Truckee Police Department has teamed up with their county partners—Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Grass Valley Police Department, Nevada City Police Department, Grass Valley Fire Department, Nevada County Consolidated Fire Department, and Nevada County Probation—to further amplify our efforts in raising awareness for breast cancer.

Join us on Tuesday, October 15^th from 8 – 10 am at Drink Coffee Do Stuff (10115 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161) for a special Coffee for a Cure event. Proceeds will support breast cancer research.

We’re also offering exclusive Pink Patch merchandise, including individual patches, a set featuring all seven agency patches, and a special 2025 coin.

Visit the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation at 11075 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA, to buy yours in person. Let’s make a difference together!

Tahoe Forest Health System has been recognized as a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™ in the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program™ (NQMBC™), the highest level of recognition offered by the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). The certification is awarded to breast centers that demonstrate excellence in quality performance and accountability through rigorous data collection and benchmarking against national standards.

“We are honored to be awarded this prestigious designation,” said Anna Roth, Tahoe Forest Health System President & CEO, “which reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of breast health care to our patients and our community.”

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, providing consistent, high-quality care while managing resources effectively is essential. Achieving Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence™ status confirms that Tahoe Forest Health System not only meets but exceeds national quality standards. It further reflects the organization’s investment in the latest technologies, clinical best practices, and a culture of continuous learning.

The National Quality Measures for Breast Centers™ program was created using over a decade of research and now includes more than 33 National Quality Indicators™ that define, measure, and advance quality performance in breast health care. For more information about the NQMBC™ Program, visit www.nqmbc.org.

We are always proud to share some of the positive recognition we receive from patients, honoring the compassionate care provided at Tahoe Forest Health System!

“Good experience all around. My son had a great care team! He happened to ring in his birthday on this visit and the overnight staff made him a C-collar birthday crown and sang HBD – everyone from registration to discharge was professional, courteous, happy, and genuine. You have a good team and process that I’m sure functions just as well on busy days as it does on those rare (and appreciated) quiet overnights. Thanks for the care.”

“Rachel in Authorization was exceptional. The entire process I felt like I was the only patient that mattered. I’m a physician and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your staff.”

Dana, Michelle, Michael and the others have become like a family this past year with my monthly injections. The infusion department is a group of caring, fun and professional adults. Thank you for their kind care of me.”

“Dr. Rezac is OUTSTANDING! I know she hasn’t been here for long but her presence has been a [breath] of fresh air and I think she will absolutely change the medical field with her skills and expertise. Her depth of knowledge, sharp clinical instincts, and compassionate approach has already made a lasting impact on me and I am sure so many others. She is a great asset to this hospital and I am so grateful to have her here in our community.”

“Dr. Hays is one-of-a-kind! He shows as much interested in my day-to-day life as my health care.”

Learn more about the Foundation by following the Health System on social media! We post updates weekly.

Instagram Username: tahoeforesthealthsystem
Facebook Page: Tahoe Forest Health System
Twitter Account: TahoeForestHospital

Thank you for your interest in the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. To learn more about the different ways you can support TFH through philanthropy, visit www.tfhd.com/giving/giving or contact Karli Epstein, Executive Director, at 530-582-4204 or [email protected].

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