The Logan Health Foundation is thrilled to announce that the 48th Annual ALERT Banquet brought in a record-setting $755,897 as of Monday morning, surpassing all previous fundraising totals. This also exceeded the event goal by over $100,000.
Approximately 1,000 attendees packed the Trade Center Building at the Kalispell Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 25 for the annual banquet, which raises money to sustain and advance the ALERT program each year.
“It was great to see the community come together in such a meaningful way,” said Michael Barth, president of the Logan Health Foundation. “This record-setting banquet reflects the strong support for ALERT and helps ensure we can continue providing critical care and rapid transport for patients across our region. And we couldn’t do this without the community members who continue to invest in this program year after year.”
The event featured various fundraising opportunities, including a silent and live auction, a patient story, awards, and an introduction to the program’s newest initiative: a new helicopter.
ALERT leaders have identified the Bell 429 as the program’s next helicopter. The aircraft offers significantly more cabin space, allowing nurses and paramedics to provide care during transport rather than stabilizing patients before departure. This will save critical time in the transport process and improve patient outcomes. The larger, twin-engine aircraft will also enhance safety standards and capabilities, modernizing the program for the future.
Additionally, the expanded cabin space will allow a patient’s family member to accompany them during transport when necessary, providing added comfort and support during an already stressful time.
“This is an exciting step forward for the ALERT program and for the patients and families we serve,” Barth said. “Investments like this help ensure we can continue delivering the highest level of care, wherever it’s needed.”
For nearly five decades, ALERT has provided lifesaving air medical transport across northwest Montana, delivering critical care to patients when every minute matters. Support from events like the ALERT Banquet helps sustain and advance this vital service for communities throughout the region.
For more information, or to donate to the initiative, call the Logan Health Foundation at (406) 752-5111 or visit logan.org/foundation.