RMCHCS Charity seeks to bring wellness to the community
Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services’ rehabilitation healthcare department has outgrown its facility within the hospital and is looking to expand in the building previously used for dialysis treatment.
RMCHCS is hosting their 20th Charity Invitational Sept. 9, 10, and 17 under the theme of “Building a Community of Wellness.” The proceeds of this charity will go toward creating The Wellness Center to house the outpatient rehabilitation department.
RMCHCS stated in a brochure, “The Wellness Center will be four times larger and will include rehabilitation services, the After-Care Program, diabetes education and the Healthy Parenting, Healthy Kids program.”
According to the brochure, new, state-of-the-art equipment will allow “our team of experienced specialists to provide an even higher level of care for patients suffering from injuries, strokes and chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and kidney disease.”
There will even be resources like an open gym area, a kitchen with cooking classes, and spaces for health-education classes.
This year’s event honoree is Dr. Christopher Gonzaga.
Recently, Gonzaga received an award from the New Mexico Chapter of the American College of Physicians for community service and volunteering.
Monica Greene, director of marketing and public relations for RMCHCS, told the Sun that Gonzaga very much deserves the award.
“Dr. Gonzaga genuinely cares for his patients and for those around him,” she said. “He has a deep faith and commitment to God and it shows in his caring and compassionate ways. He frequents house calls and home-visits to patients and their families. That includes acts such as sitting by the bedside of a terminally ill patient, listening carefully to family concerns, praying, and sharing his wonderful gift of music.”
Gonzaga’s impact, however, is not limited to his role at the hospital. The doctor is also very much involved in the community.
“He is an active member of Rehoboth Christian Reformed Church,” Greene said. “He has served on the board of the Cibola Foundation, is involved in supporting medical missions, mentors high school and college students as well as immigrant healthcare workers and has, for many years, provided flu shots at homeless shelters.”
On Aug. 15, Gonzaga attended the Gallup McKinley County Schools Board of Education meeting and spoke during the public comments portion. He hoped to positively respond to recent comments by board member Sandra Jeff about the Filipino teaching community (see cover story, page 3).
The RMCHCS Charity Invitational has a clear goal for its fundraising and a distinguished doctor as its honoree.
The actual events extend three non-consecutive days, and include a golf tournament in Grants on Sept. 9; an adventure run/walk and a trap shoot competition at the shooting range on Sept.10; and the Gala Event held the evening of Sept. 17 at Red Rock Park.
For more information, see the brochure online at rmch.org/docs/BrochureWEB--July_26.pdf.
Aside from donating money, supporters may also donate gifts for raffle prizes, donate a promotional item for the gift bags, and/or buy a hole sponsor-sign at the golf course.
For more information, or to be a part of the Charity Invitational 20-Year Anniversary, call Ina at the RMCHCS Western Health Foundation (505) 863-7287.
Story and photos by Andy Gibbons III
Sun Correspondent