1920s Speakeasy Experience Raises Over $175,000 for Cancer Capital Campaign

The Fremont Health Foundation hosted its annual gala event on Feb. 11. The elegant 1920s Speakeasy Experience – which was filled with fun, food and philanthropy – raised over $175,000.

Nearly 500 guests attended the event at Christensen Field to support the Foundation and honor Terry and Linda McClain, the 2023 recipients of the Spirit of the Fremont Health Foundation Award. The McClains have been impacting the Fremont community for years with their volunteer work and commitment to community causes. Linda also served on the Fremont Health Board of Trustees for over 10 years and previously worked in Human Resources at Methodist Fremont Health.

The funds raised at the event will support cancer services for Methodist Fremont Health – specifically, the purchase of a new linear accelerator. 

“We kicked off our Cancer Capital Campaign last year with a $2.4 million goal to purchase a new linear accelerator,” said Shawn Shanahan-Brown, executive director of development for the Fremont Health Foundation. “We’ve already raised a little more than $1 million, and we’re hoping to reach our campaign goal by the end of the year.”

A linear accelerator is a machine that sends carefully calibrated beams of radiation into the human body to destroy cancer cells. The technological advancements in the new accelerator will allow for more precise radiation delivery and additional treatment options that are not possible with the cancer center’s current machine.

The cancer center at Methodist Fremont Health has treated patients from all over Nebraska and has been nationally certified by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer since 1996.

“We are so grateful for all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers who helped us raise over $175,000 – a record amount for our annual event,” Shanahan-Brown said. “Sadly, we all know someone who has been impacted by cancer. Supporting this capital campaign will help us provide safe, precise and more effective treatment to those who need it most, right here in Fremont.”

To make a donation to the capital campaign or request more information, contact:

Shawn Shanahan-Brown
Executive Director of Development
Fremont Health Foundation
(402) 727-3566