On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Fire & Ice Gala was an extraordinary evening of philanthropy and community spirit. As the VIP Arctic Lounge Sponsor, Hire Up Staffing was proud to support the event, which raised over half a million dollars for the future Bob Smittcamp Family Neuroscience Institute in Fresno, CA.
This cause is especially important to Hire Up because of our President, Rebecca Kirkman, is one of the founding members of the Founders Club. As Club President from 2021-2023, Rebecca helped launch this powerful network of women, dedicated to improving the wellbeing and health of the Central Valley through active philanthropy. With this amazing group of women, their passion continues to drive the success with events like Fire & Ice.
If you’re familiar with Hire Up Staffing, you likely know that Rebecca excels at connecting people and resources to build stronger businesses and better lives through careers. Her care for the communities we serve runs deep, especially in the Central Valley, where she calls her hometown.
Rebecca and a group of like-minded women created the Founders Club with one goal: to give back. This network of professionals from across the Central Valley has been working tirelessly to support Community Health System, a non-profit organization that began in 1897 as Fresno’s first private hospital. Over the years, it evolved into the Community Health System we know today, providing top-tier care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
Since its inception, the Founders Club has made a tremendous impact. In just over a year, they raised $400,000 toward their mission, and thanks to the success of this year’s Fire & Ice Gala, we’re projected to raise an additional $500,000.
These funds will help build the Bob Smittcamp Neuroscience Institute, a specialized treatment center that will allow patients to receive vital brain and spine care close to home, eliminating the need for families to travel outside the area for specialized treatments.
For many members of the Founders Club, the neuroscience cause is deeply personal. From loved ones affected by strokes to head injuries and Parkinson’s disease, the need for enhanced neurological resources in the Central Valley is clear. And Rebecca, with her talent for bringing people together, is determined to make positive change.
Want to get involved? Here’s how you can support:
Follow us on Instagram for updates on future events and sponsorship opportunities: @chsfoundersclub
Donate directly to the cause: Community Medical – Founders Club Donation
Sponsor next year’s gala. Dates will be announced soon, so follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop!
With your support, we can ensure the Central Valley has access to the highest quality neuroscience care. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community. Thank you for all that supported this year’s Fire and Ice event, and we’re looking forward to what lies ahead for this stellar group of women!
