Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic

Opening Doors for Health: Annual Luncheon Raises $98,000 and Spotlights Lifesaving Prenatal Care

HPC Opening Doors Luncheon 2025Health Partnership Clinic’s seventh annual Opening Doors Luncheon Benefit was more than a fundraiser — it was a celebration of resilience, compassion and community. Held on April 24, nearly 200 supporters gathered to champion the clinic’s mission of improving health, impacting lives and inspiring hope. Together, attendees helped raise nearly $98,000 to fund vital medical, dental, behavioral health and prenatal services for uninsured and underserved families across Johnson, Franklin and Miami counties.

Each year, Health Partnership provides nearly $3 million in uncompensated care, standing as a lifeline for individuals and families who might otherwise go without the care they need. This year’s luncheon placed a special spotlight on the clinic’s prenatal care program — a crucial service ensuring healthier futures for mothers and babies alike.

A Program with Heart: Prenatal Care that Changes Lives

Eva Clark, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, took the stage as the event’s featured speaker. Through powerful personal stories and moving patient experiences, Clark underscored the life-changing impact of accessible prenatal care. She reminded guests that when a mother receives the support she needs, the entire family — and community — benefits.

“Every mother deserves a healthy start for her baby,” Clark says. “That’s what we’re here for.”

HPC Opening Doors Luncheon 2025 HPC Opening Doors Luncheon 2025

Stories of Courage and Care

Adding to the afternoon’s inspiration was Thao Le, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, who delivered an uplifting “Inspirational Moment” about mental health care, and CEO Amy Falk, who provided an overview of the clinic’s expanding continuum of care. Falk emphasized how the clinic is bridging gaps, breaking down barriers and opening doors for those who need it most.

Guiding the afternoon’s program was FOX 4 News anchor Matt Stewart, who graciously served as emcee. Stewart shared a heartfelt account of his and his wife’s cancer journey, connecting personally with the audience and inspiring deeper engagement with the clinic’s mission. His warmth and sincerity set a meaningful tone for the day, reminding guests of the profound importance of accessible, compassionate health care.

HPC Opening Doors Luncheon 2025 HPC Opening Doors Luncheon 2025

Recognizing Community Champions

The luncheon concluded by honoring community partners whose leadership and generosity fuel the clinic’s mission. Board member Jim Terrones and CEO Amy Falk presented two prestigious awards:

  • The Founders Award to Tierney Grasser, Board Past Chair and Board Member, for her unwavering leadership and advocacy.
  • The Leadership Impact Award to Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Kansas City Women’s Clinic, an HCA Midwest Health Practice. Accepting the award on behalf of their organizations were Matt Sogard, CEO, of Overland Park Regional Medical Center, and Jeffrey Teply, MD, of Kansas City Women’s Clinic. Dr. Kimberly Swan, MD, MBA, Designated Institutional Officer, Graduate Medical Education Department, of HCA Healthcare Kansas City, was unable to attend the event.

HPC Opening Doors Luncheon 2025

A Community United for Health

With the ongoing support of generous donors, dedicated staff and compassionate community partners, Health Partnership continues to ensure that quality health care — from prenatal visits to behavioral health services to dental care — remains within reach for all.

A new video was also featured at the event

Thank you to our Sponsors!

We appreciate the generous support of our event sponsors and those who purchased tickets and donated to our ‘day of’ challenge.

2025 Opening Doors Sponsors

Champion Sponsors

  • Bukaty Companies
  • Creative Planning
  • Pete Enko | Husch Blackwell
  • Healthy Blue Kansas
  • Kansas Gas Service
  • Landmark National Bank
  • Jim and Brenda McLaughlin
  • Harlan Parker | State Farm Insurance

Event Favor

  • Jeff and Carol Lynne Ellis

Event Flowers

  • Quality Reviews, Inc.

Donations

To donate to HPC, click here.

Event Photos

To view event photos, click here.

Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

Improving health, impacting lives and inspiring hope was this year’s theme at Health Partnership Clinic’s sixth annual Opening Doors Luncheon Benefit on April 11. The clinic raised nearly $85,000 to date. More than 170 attended.

The money raised will help provide medical, dental and behavioral health care to uninsured children and adults in Johnson, Franklin and Miami counties. The clinic provides just under $3 million of uncompensated care annually.

Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured

Matt Stewart with FOX 4 News served as the emcee. Stewart was able to visit the clinic prior to the event. The featured speaker was patient Jennifer Amigo Wayne, who shared her inspiring story about her life journey. In addition, Denise Kelly, HPC’s Vice President of Human Resources, shared an Inspirational Moment and Amy Falk, CEO, presented an overview of the clinic, including the announcement of our new prenatal care and Community Health Worker programs. The afternoon wrapped up with Darren Odum, the clinic’s Board Chair, and Falk presenting two annual awards. Shawnee Mission and Olathe School Districts received the Founders Award, and Auburn Pharmacy, received the Leadership Impact Award. To learn more, click here.

Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured

A new video was also featured at the event!

 

We appreciate the generous support of our event sponsors and those who purchased tickets and donated to our ‘day of’ challenge.

Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Raises Crucial Dollars for Uninsured

Platinum

  • Medical Staff of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
  • Medical Staff of Overland Park Regional Medical Center

Gold

  • Children’s Mercy Hospital
  • Olathe Health, now part of the University of Kansas Health System
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas

Silver

  • Atmos Energy
  • Bridge Builder Tax and Legal Services
  • Scott & Dana Gold/FORVIS
  • The Purple Guys

Bronze

  • Aetna Better Health of Kansas
  • Harlan Parker State Farm Insurance
  • Health Forward Foundation
  • Heartland RADAC
  • Lakemary Center
  • Sunflower Health Plan

Luncheon Champions

  • AdventHealth
  • AuBurn Pharmacy, Inc.
  • Bukaty Companies
  • Creative Planning
  • Delta Dental of Kansas
  • Jim and Brenda McLaughlin
  • Landmark National Bank
  • Olathe Fire Department
  • Olathe Public Schools

Event Favor

  • Jeff and Carol Lynne Ellis

Event Flowers

  • Quality Reviews, Inc.

 

Click here to make a donation to Health Partnership Clinic.

Click here to view all the event photos.

You’re Invited to The 2024 Opening Doors Luncheon!

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By Drew Meyer, Development Director at Health Partnership Clinic

HPC 2024 Opening Doors LuncheonHealth Partnership Clinic’s annual Opening Doors Luncheon is just a couple of months away! This year, it will be held at the Overland Park Convention Center on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch begins right at noon. The afternoon will include networking, great food, award presentations, impactful speakers and more. Attendance is open to all interested. This annual fundraising event benefits uninsured children and adults.

The funds raised from this event each year are critical in allowing us to fulfill our mission of improving the health of the communities we serve through high quality, affordable and accessible care. We provide comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health care and substance abuse services regardless of a person’s ability to pay. Health Partnership offers all these services on a sliding scale fee based on income and household size.

Of the 10,500 patients we serve each year, nearly 60 percent of the children and adults we see are uninsured and 76 percent of our patients grapple with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, or stroke. For many of our patients, they turn to Health Partnership to receive the care they critically need, that they would not be to afford otherwise.

We hope that you will join us in our goal to raise $90,000 or more from this event! Your contribution will play a pivotal role in offsetting the cost of care for the uninsured and providing lifesaving care to those who need it most. For a deeper dive, please watch this video.

Please consider sponsoring us!

We are actively seeking additional sponsors for this event. Below, you will find a list of sponsorship opportunities with incentives and perks. Regardless of the amount you choose to contribute, your organization will be included in our event program, website communications and comes with at least one reserved table for ten. For individuals, tickets are $100 each and a table for ten is $1,000.

Your generosity is not just a contribution; it is an investment in the well-being and future of countless individuals. If you would like to purchase tickets, provide a sponsorship, or just have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at dmeyer@hpcks.org or 913-276-7012.

We are grateful for your potential partnership and look forward to the positive change we can create together. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for making a tangible difference in the lives of our patients. We hope to see you on April 11 at 11:30 a.m.!

Click here for the Sponsorship Form

HPC 2024 Opening Doors Luncheon Sponsorship

 

Health Partnership Celebrates 30 years at Benefit Luncheon

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach 

Health Partnership Celebrates 30 years at Benefit Luncheon
Raises funds for uninsured children and adults

Health Partnership Clinic marked 30 years of improving health, impacting lives together at our annual Opening Doors benefit luncheon on April 28. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, the clinic raised more than $67,000 which will help provide medical, dental and behavioral health care to uninsured children and adults in Johnson, Franklin and Miami counties. The clinic provides more than $3 million of uncompensated care annually.

Christel Bell with FOX4 Kansas City served as the MC. Earlier in the month, Bell visited the clinic and learned about the clinic’s mission. In addition, Jim Terrones, board member, provided an inspirational moment. Tierney Grasser, the clinic’s Board Chair, and Amy Falk, CEO, presented two annual awards. AdventHealth MidAmerica Region received the Founders Award, and Shelby Rebeck, MSN, BSN, RN, Director of Health Services at Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD), received the Leadership Impact Award.

Robin Harrold

AdventHealth MidAmerica Region – Robin Harrold

As one of the founding partners of Health Partnership in 1992, AdventHealth has continued to support the clinic’s mission of serving the most vulnerable in our community. Through their ongoing support of discounted or free services for the uninsured, hospital and medical staff donations and board volunteerism, AdventHealth has made an indelible mark on the clinic’s operations and mission. We are grateful for their pioneering leadership, vision and collaborative spirit in supporting us and embracing the mission of providing quality, affordable and accessible health care for 30 years.

Shelby Rebeck

Shelby Rebeck, MSN, BSN, RN

Shelby has been a nurse in our community for 30+ years working in hospitals, clinics and home health. Seventeen of those years have been in school health and since January of 2011 she has served as the Director of Health Services for SMSD. She oversees a staff of 65 school nurses and aides and is responsible for student health and well-being in the SMSD. Over the last two years of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Shelby has played a leading role in providing guidance on COVID-19 prevention including vaccination promotions, COVID testing and mask use in our schools.

From 2015 to 2021, she served as an active member of Health Partnership’s Board of Directors and helped spearhead school-based health clinics, pediatric health days and promotion of clinic services to staff, parents and students. We appreciate Shelby’s steady leadership and strong commitment to increase accessibility to quality and affordable health care to Johnson County’s youth. Her collaboration and shared vision made it possible to offer the first School-Based Clinic to Shawnee Mission School District students and their siblings. As an active board member, Shelby played a key role in guiding the clinic forward.

In addition, guests viewed a Birthday Shoutout video from our community partners and an educational video about the clinic as well as enjoyed a testimonial from Carolyn Tortorici, Overland Park, Kan. Carolyn is a foster parent who has utilized the clinic since 2013. She and her husband, Joe, have brought nine foster children to the clinic through the years. She shared that she liked taking children to the clinic because their foster kids see children there like themselves, and that would not be true in a private dental or medical office. She adds, “It is great to not always stand out as ‘different’.” She also noted the exceptional services the clinic provides and the genuine care and professionalism of all the staff.

Carolyn Tortorici, her husband and Christel Bell

Carolyn Tortorici, her husband and Christel Bell

As part of its 30-year celebration, the clinic and its partners sponsored a video and coloring contest. The winning videos of Shawnee Mission West High School students were premiered. The winning artwork of third grade students in the Olathe School District was displayed for guests to view. To view the videos and coloring artwork, visit https://hpcks.org/hpc30/#hpc30videos. Contest sponsors included UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Davidson Promotional and Sunflower Health Plan.

A huge thank you to our event sponsors:

2022 Opening Doors Sponsors

Health Partnership celebrates 30 Years with Opening Doors Fundraising Luncheon

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach 

HPC Opening Doors Luncheon Save the DateHealth Partnership Clinic is celebrating its 30th year of providing quality, accessible and affordable health care to the underserved individuals of our community. Among the many celebration activities in 2022 is the annual Opening Doors Luncheon, a benefit for uninsured children and adults.

The celebration luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 28 at the Embassy Suites Hotel Olathe Conference Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. If you’d like to attend or sponsor the event, call Debbie Sparks, Development/Marketing Manager, at 913-433-7592, or email her at dsparks@hpcks.org.

“Our 30th anniversary year is an opportunity for us to honor those trailblazers who cared deeply about our community’s most vulnerable residents and started Health Partnership Clinic in 1992, celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to our future,” says Amy Falk, CEO. “Our story needs to reach the far corners of the counties we serve—Johnson, Franklin and Miami—so we can ensure quality health care is available for all—well into the future.”

AdventHealth Logo

Shelby Rebeck

Shelby Rebeck

At the fundraising luncheon we will be celebrating our past, present and future. The event will include a patient testimonial and the presentation of the Founders Award to AdventHealth MidAmerica Region, and the Leadership Impact Award to Shelby Rebeck, Director of Health Services for Shawnee Mission School District.

 

From Past to Present

From a small doctor’s office with volunteer physicians, nurses and staff, HPC has grown to five clinic sites, including a school-based clinic at Shawnee Mission West High School, in three counties with more than 65 employees. Providing nearly 26,000 patient visits annually, HPC is a lifeline for more than 10,000 adults and children.

HPC 30 Years Logo

Today, our work centers around providing an integrated model of medical, dental and behavioral health care and working together with community partners to help create healthier communities. The COVID-19 Pandemic has certainly exacerbated poverty and the need for quality, affordable and accessible health care. Falk says, “We’ve been at the forefront of the Pandemic and ever present to our patients and community partners.”

More than 60 percent of our patients are uninsured and nearly 30 percent are on Medicaid, the majority of whom are children. The need is great and is growing each year. The funds from the luncheon event will help offset the increasing cost of uninsured care, which amounts to more than $3 million.

To learn more about our celebration activities, visit hpcks.org/hpc30.

To make an online donation, click here.

A huge thank you to our 2022 sponsors:

Platinum

AdventHealth Medical Staff
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City

Gold

Olathe Health

Silver

BKD LLP Scott Gold/Dana Gold
Bridge Builder Tax and Legal Services PA

Bronze

AdventHealth
Aetna Better Health of Kansas
Heartland RADAC
HFG Architecture
Kansas City University
Lakemary Center
Sunflower Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

Opening Doors Benefit Raises Awareness and Needed Funds for the Uninsured

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

The COVID-19 Pandemic has thrown us all a curve ball, but it didn’t stop Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) from opening their doors virtually for its annual benefit in September. The benefit raises funds to help support uninsured adults and children in Johnson, Franklin and Miami counties. HPC provides more than $3 million of uncompensated care annually. However, clinic officials believe this will soar as unemployment climbs due to the coronavirus. Thanks to generous sponsors and donors, the clinic has raised more than $66,000. Donations are still being accepted. To donate, please visit, https://hpcks.org/give-back/.

The clinic held its Opening Doors Benefit on Sept. 3 via Live Zoom with Amy Falk, CEO, providing opening remarks; Barbara Letch, a HPC patient since 2012, sharing a patient testimonial; and Wael Mourad, MD, Chief Health Officer and family physician, updating viewers about the clinic’s response to COVID and providing insights surrounding racial health disparities and the clinic’s role. In addition, the clinic featured its 2020 video, Opening Doors and Embracing New Opportunities. More than 60 individuals and groups joined the Live Zoom meeting.

Health Partnership: 2020 Opening Doors Benefit Online Event Health Partnership: 2020 Opening Doors Benefit Online Event

Founders Award

During the 45-minute event, HPC recognized Nevin Waters, DDS, Olathe, Kan., a former clinic board member and Dental Director, with the Founders Award, and the Olathe Fire Department with the Leadership Impact Award.

The Founders Award honors an individual who has significantly impacted the health and wellness of the communities we serve. It is because of Dr. Waters’ vision and collaborative spirit that dental services are offered today at Health Partnership. Under his leadership and direction in 2002, he secured donated mobile dental equipment and forged partnerships with UMKC Dental School and Johnson County Community College to provide volunteer staffing. Over the years, dental services have expanded to include both children and adults and inside and outside of our walls.

Leadership Impact Award

The clinic also recognized the Olathe Fire Department with the Leadership Impact Award. This award recognizes efforts of an individual or organization that has advanced the mission and philosophy of Health Partnership and has contributed leadership expertise in the promotion of HPC, health care and wellness in the communities served by the clinic.

In 2015, Olathe Health, Olathe Fire Department and Health Partnership established a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. Together, we have worked diligently to provide direct patient care with same day appointments and chronic disease follow up care to reduce overuse of the Emergency Room and 911 services. Because of this innovative program, we have been able to help thousands of underserved Olathe residents who are frequent 911 callers, people with chronic diseases or elderly or disabled individuals trying to live independently. The team also works with individuals experiencing homelessness and educates school children. The MIH team includes Whitney Venegoni, APRN, FNP-C and Kevin Harris, MIH/Firefighter/Paramedic.

Health Partnership: 2020 Opening Doors Benefit Attendee Pics

Health Partnership: 2020 Opening Doors Benefit Attendee Pics Health Partnership: 2020 Opening Doors Benefit Attendee Pics

 

Event sponsors included:

Platinum level: AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Staff, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Overland Park Regional Medical Staff

Gold level: Olathe Health

Silver level: AdventHealth Ottawa, BKD, LLP Scott Gold/Dana Gold, Bridge Builder Tax and Legal Services, PA, and Kansas City University

Bronze level: PMG, Inc., Sunflower Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Whole Foods Market, Luncheon level: AdventHealth, Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Bank of Blue Valley, Cigna Health Care, Creative Planning, Kansas Gas, Lakemary Center and Olathe Fire Department

Supporters: Blue Gurus and Holmes Murphy

If you did not have a chance to join us for the event, you can watch the recorded version and view photos here!

 

Health Partnership’s Opening Doors Benefit Recognizes Local Dentist and Olathe Fire Department

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

Health Partnership Clinic’s (HPC) annual Opening Doors Benefit is going live and virtual this year. The fundraising event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 from Noon to 12:45 p.m. via Zoom.

To learn how you can attend, visit https://hpcks.org/2020-opening-doors-benefit/.

This year, HPC will recognize Nevin Waters, DDS, Olathe, Kan., a former clinic board member and Dental Director with the Founders Award, and the Olathe Fire Department with the Leadership Impact Award.

Founders Award

Dr. Waters

The Founders Award honors an individual who has significantly impacted the health and wellness of the communities we serve. It is because of Dr. Waters’ vision and collaborative spirit that dental services are offered today at Health Partnership. Under his leadership and direction in 2002, he secured donated mobile dental equipment and forged partnerships with UMKC Dental School and Johnson County Community College to provide volunteer staffing. Over the years, dental services have expanded to include both children and adults and inside and outside of our walls.

Dr. Waters is singly responsible for laying the foundation of our dental services. Not only is he an excellent practitioner, but his experience in private practice, commitment to oral health in our community and the ability to lead set our clinic apart in the early days. In addition, he provided that expertise as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors for several years. It is fitting he be recognized for these outstanding contributions.

Dr. Waters continues in private practice with his daughter, Lindsay Davidson, DDS, in Olathe and is involved in a mobile dental practice serving Kansas and Missouri, treating primarily underserved children. He is a member and past president of the Fifth District Dental Association of Kansas, Kansas Dental Association and Kansas Dental Lifeline Network. He is past president of the Olathe Sertoma Club and was recognized as the UMKC Alumni of the Year in 2009 and Character Award in Healthcare by Olathe Character Council in 2003. Dr. Waters is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. Before entering private practice in 1975, he served as a captain in the Air Force. He and wife, Lois, reside in Olathe.

Leadership Impact Award

The Olathe, Kansas Fire DepartmentThe clinic also is recognizing the Olathe Fire Department with the Leadership Impact Award. This award recognizes efforts of an individual or organization that has advanced the mission and philosophy of Health Partnership and has contributed leadership expertise in the promotion of HPC, health care and wellness in the communities served by the clinic.

In 2015, Olathe Health, Olathe Fire Department and Health Partnership established a Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. Together, we have worked diligently to provide direct patient care with same day appointments and chronic disease follow up care to reduce overuse of the Emergency Room and 911 services. Because of this innovative program, we have been able to help thousands of underserved Olathe residents who are frequent 911 callers, people with chronic diseases or elderly or disabled individuals trying to live independently. The team also works with individuals experiencing homelessness and educates school children. The MIT team includes Whitney Venegoni, APRN, FNP-C and Kevin Harris, MIH/Firefighter/Paramedic.

Under Chief Jeff DeGraffenreid’s leadership and the ongoing support of Olathe Health, we have been able to match people with the right resources at the right time. The MIH team performs medical assessments, determines needs and helps connect patients with the appropriate care solutions in the community. A Health Partnership nurse practitioner is part of the team. The goal is to help residents navigate health and community resources and establish a medical home at our clinic.

Although we are disappointed that we will not meet in person this year, we’re are happy to be able to recognize Dr. Waters and the Olathe Fire Department. We invite everyone to tune in our event on Sept. 3 by visiting our website.

HPC 2020 Opening Doors Sponsors

2020 Event Sponsors

Event sponsors include Platinum level: AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Medical Staff, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Overland Park Regional Medical Staff; Gold level: Olathe Health; Silver level: AdventHealth Ottawa, BKD, LLP Scott Gold/Dana Gold, Bridge Builder Tax and Legal Services, PA; Bronze level: PMG, Inc., Sunflower Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Whole Foods Market, Luncheon level: AdventHealth, Aetna Better Health of Kansas, Bank of Blue Valley, Cigna Health Care, Creative Planning, Kansas Gas, Lakemary Center, Olathe Fire Department; and supporters Blue Gurus and Holmes Murphy.

For more information about our live and virtual event, please contact Debbie Sparks, Development/ Marketing Manager, at 913-433-7592.