CentraCare Foundation Celebrates Generosity and Community Spirit at La Gratitude
(Left to Right): Ken Holmen, MD; Chuck Andres, MD; Janet Andres; Erik Johnson; Tessa Johnson; Kevin Johnson; Julie Johnson; Kim Koepp; Duane Koepp; Cherie McDowall; John McDowall; Holly Gulden
CentraCare Foundation recently welcomed donors, physicians and community leaders to La Gratitude — its highly anticipated annual celebration of giving. Hosted by the CentraCare Foundation Board of Directors, the event served as a heartfelt tribute to those whose generosity and dedication continue to shape the future of health care for patients and families across the region.
The 2025 La Gratitude Award ceremony included a special tribute to the late Doug Bischoff, Roger Duininck and Al Kremers, and the Foundation's 2025 award winners:
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award: John & Cherie McDowall
John & Cherie McDowall
This award recognizes benefactors for their years of giving and service to CentraCare, as well as community engagement and history of generosity.
2025 Rising Star Award: Janet & Chuck Andres, MD
Janet & Chuck Andres, MD
This award recognizes benefactors for their dedication, commitment, involvement and philanthropy to CentraCare.
2025 Service to the Foundation Award: Duane & Kim Koepp
Duane & Kim Koepp
This award recognizes benefactors for their work, commitment, and generosity as philanthropists as well as their “over the top” service to CentraCare.
2025 Corporate Partner of the Year: K. Johnson Construction, Inc.
K. Johnson Construction, Inc.
This award recognizes a corporate partner who has made philanthropic contributions, event sponsorships, cause marketing, and/or in-kind donations that have greatly impacted the mission of CentraCare.
"These are the people who buoy us up at CentraCare. They are the rock-solid base of who we are, and without them, we would not be nearly as successful. We are grateful for their time and energy," said Holly Gulden, Vice President of CentraCare Foundation, highlighted the importance of the honorees.
"This event helps me see the impact people are making every day," said CentraCare Foundation Board Vice Chair, Tom D. St. Hilaire. "The honorees give in ways they believe will strengthen our community — and our community has been strengthened! I am deeply moved by their generosity and commitment over the years. We can all feel good about the impact we are making."
CentraCare Foundation held another La Gratitude event in the Spicer community on May 8. This event recognized local Foundation award winners along with this year's Caduceus Award winner, including:
2025 Service to the Foundation Award: Cindy Firkins Smith, MD
Cindy Firkins Smith, MD
This award recognizes benefactors for their work, commitment, and generosity as philanthropists as well as their “over the top” service to CentraCare.
2025 Rising Star Award: Allen (Bert) Stanley, RPH
Bert Stanley
This award recognizes benefactors for their dedication, commitment, involvement and philanthropy to CentraCare.
2025 Caduceus Award: Deb Peterson, MD
Deb Peterson, MD
This award is presented to a physician who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and humanitarian and/or charitable medical efforts to their community. The Caduceus Award nominees are nominated by their peers and selected by members of the Caduceus Committee.
Learn more about La Gratitude, including descriptions of each award, previous award recipients, and how the generosity of benefactors makes a difference in our community, by visiting: https://www.centracare.com/foundation/about-us/benefactor-recognition/la-gratitude/
About CentraCare Foundation
CentraCare Foundation engages the philanthropic community in partnership to improve health and health care. Its fundraising efforts encompass the entire CentraCare service area.
About Caduceus Society
The Caduceus Society is a philanthropic guild of the CentraCare Foundation. This society is open to Central and Southwestern Minnesota practicing and retired medical staff who make a gift to support the Foundation's mission of improving health and health care.
MyChart