New ambulance purchase is goal of Aiming to Inspire Health fundraiser and raffle

BROOKINGS Brookings Health System Foundation will hold the 16th annual Aiming to Inspire Health fundraiser, presented by First Bank & Trust, on Aug. 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Brookings Gun Club in rural Brookings.

Proceeds from the 2025 sporting clay fundraiser and raffle will support the purchase of a new advanced life support ambulance.

Brookings Health System Foundation continues to raise funds for a new ambulance because of the increased inflationary costs and the supply line shortage for new advanced life support vehicles, said Foundation Director Brittany Venekamp. The order lead time for a new ambulance is approximately 30 months. Currently we have been in queue for a new ambulance for 12 months. Our fundraising goal is to help cover rising costs so Brookings Health can purchase a state-of-the-art ambulance that ensures patients in our community have safe, timely access to pre-hospital care they deserve.

With the help of premier sponsor Brookings Radio, families, businesses, youths and adults are encouraged to participate in this years fundraiser. Registration is $300 for adult four-person teams and $250 for four-person teams of youth under 18. Adults and youth may also register individually. This years clay target tournament at the Brookings Gun Club will include a 50-round sporting clays course with ammo sponsored by Runnings of Brookings. Mulligans will be available for purchase. Additional outdoor games and activities will also be available.

Registration includes 12- or 20-gauge ammunition and a meal from Midwest Fresh Catering, sponsored by Sanford Health Brookings Clinic. Over $2,000 in prizes will be awarded. To register for this years clay target tournament, please visit brookingshealth.org/AIH. Registration deadline is Thursday, July 31.

In conjunction with the tournament, Brookings Health System Foundation will also hold a raffle sponsored by Brookings Powersports and Runnings of Brookings. The raffle grand prize is a 2025 Polaris Ranger 1000 premium utility terrain vehicle (UTV) from Brookings Powersports. Valued at $17,999, the UTV features a 61-horsepower engine, 2,500-lb. towing capacity and 1,000-lb. box capacity. It also includes a 4,500-lb. winch with synthetic rope and a factory-installed roof. Please note, winner is responsible for sales tax, vehicle registration fees and dealer document fees.

Additional raffle prizes include:

• Second prize: Remington 870 Fieldmaster 12-gauge hunting shotgun with walnut stock donated by Runnings of Brookings.
• Third prize: Tranquil fire bowl in coconut white with fire gel by Artisan Concreate Concepts and smores kit.

Only 600 raffle tickets will be sold, costing $60 each. Ticket cost reduces to $50 each when purchasing two or more tickets. The drawing will occur at the end of the clay target tournament and participants need not be present to win. Tickets may be purchased online at brookingshealth.org/Raffle or by calling Brookings Health System Foundation at 605-696-8045.

For more information on event sponsorships, contact Venekamp at 605-696-8045 or [email protected]. For more information on the foundation, visit brookingshealth.org/Foundation.