It was a mountaintop moment for the Stillwater Medical Foundation when its annual Après Ski Gala surpassed its goal, raising over $505,000 to support the expansion of Stillwater Medical’s Emergency Department. The formal event drew community supporters, hospital leadership, and philanthropic partners for a night of dining, celebration, and shared commitment to the future of local healthcare.
This year’s theme was intentionally designed to offer guests an escape from the everyday landscape of Stillwater, transporting attendees into what felt like a winter retreat. The venue featured clusters of frosted trees, glittering accents, and vintage skis arranged throughout the space.
“The vision behind this year’s theme, Après Ski, was to create a setting that felt immersive and fun,” said Michal Shaw, vice president of foundation and community outreach. “We wanted to surprise and delight our guests, while still connecting them to a mission that is deeply rooted in the needs of our community.”
While the evening’s ambiance was festive, the purpose of the gala remained clear. All proceeds from the event will directly advance the expansion of Stillwater Medical’s Emergency Department—a project hospital leadership identifies as urgently necessary. The current facility, which contains 15 emergency treatment rooms, was originally designed to serve far fewer patients than the hospital cares for today.
Stillwater Medical’s Emergency Department serves as a central point of care for residents from all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. However, the city’s rapid growth has made expansion crucial. Stillwater’s population now exceeds 51,000, and the increase in university students, families, and visitors has placed additional strain on emergency services. Oklahoma State University welcomed its largest freshman class in history this year with more than 5,100 students, while large-scale events—including Homecoming Walkaround (drawing over 80,000 visitors), the Mid-South Bike Race, McKnight Center performances, and the annual Boys From Oklahoma concert (drawing over 180,000 attendees)—continue to elevate patient volume.
“Our emergency department volume has simply outgrown the footprint that once met the needs of this region,” said Shaw. “Year after year, our annual patient visits surpass the original capacity of the facility. The expansion is not just a project—it is a necessity for ensuring timely, lifesaving care for the people we serve.”
Funds raised through the gala will support the addition of new treatment rooms, improvements to patient flow, and enhanced privacy and comfort for individuals seeking urgent medical attention. The expansion is expected to significantly improve the department’s ability to manage increasing demand and reduce wait times for patients.
The Après Ski Gala also reflected the strength of community engagement surrounding the hospital’s mission. Donors, sponsors, and volunteers contributed to silent and live auctions, while committee members worked for months to execute the event’s distinctive design and atmosphere. Their efforts aimed not only to create a memorable evening, but to express gratitude to the residents who consistently support the hospital’s advancement.
“What continues to inspire us is the unwavering spirit of this community,” said Shaw. “Every donation, every sponsorship, and every volunteer hour reflects a shared belief in the importance of accessible and exceptional emergency care. We simply could not undertake a project of this magnitude without the generosity of our supporters.”
The strong financial outcome of the gala marks a significant step forward in the hospital’s long-term strategy to strengthen emergency care infrastructure. According to Foundation leadership, continued philanthropic involvement will remain essential as planning and development progress in the coming months.
“Our donors are helping shape the future of healthcare in Stillwater,” said Shaw. “This expansion will benefit our community for generations, and we are honored to be part of a mission that carries such lasting impact.”
With more than half a million dollars raised and momentum building, Stillwater Medical Foundation’s Après Ski Gala stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring rapid, reliable, and high-quality emergency care for all who call Stillwater home. For more information visit www.stillwatermedicalfoundation.com.
