St. Francis Foundation hosts premier fundraising event at the hospital on June 4–Public is invited to attend

(left to right): Melissa Griffith, CHI Health St. Francis Foundation Director, Nick Faller, Gil Kuntz, Mary Kuntz and Morgan Rader, Foundation Coordinator at last year’s Ticket to Win fundraiser. Nick Faller of Hampton, NE was the big winner of CHI Health St. Francis Foundation’s annual Ticket to Win raffle drawing on June 5, 2025. Faller’s ticket was drawn for the $10,000 grand prize during the annual free social event held at the hospital. The hospital’s premier fundraiser also awarded a $5,000 prize to Gil and Mary Kuntz from Grand Island.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The winning ticket for CHI Health St. Francis Foundation’s ninth annual Ticket to Win fundraising raffle will be announced Thursday, June 4 at the hospital. The community is invited to join the free social festivities starting at 4:30 p.m. with official prize drawings starting at 6:30 p.m. The social event is limited to adults only.

As the hospital's premier fundraiser, the evening will include appetizers, drinks and both live and silent auctions. Attendees also have the chance to win various door prizes, including specific awards designated for emergency first responders.

Raffle tickets will be for sale during the event, offering chances to win a $10,000 grand prize, a $5,000 first prize and one of ten $500 cash cards. While door prizes require attendance, Ticket to Win raffle participants do not need to be present to win.

Half of all proceeds from Ticket to Win provides life-saving equipment and training to emergency first responders for unbudgeted items in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and Greeley counties–over $614,907 since its start. 

The remaining half of this year's proceeds will be used to create a dedicated Baby Bereavement Suite at the hospital, providing a private space for parents to grieve the devastating loss of a newborn.

For more information about Ticket to Win, contact St. Francis Foundation at 308-398-5400 or www.give.commonspirit.org/tickettowin

Some of the items up for auction at CHI Health St. Francis Foundation’s Ticket to Win ninth annual fundraiser starting at 4:30 pm on Thursday, June 4 at CHI Health St. Francis, include:

-(4) Suite Tickets Parker McCollum with Parking Pass –Donated by CHI Health 
-2 person Far-Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy  –Donated by SUNHEAT
-Waterfowl Hunt & Breakfast for 4 –Donated by FNIC Insurance Jeff Vinson
-Outdoor 4 piece Lounge Set –Donated by Fireplace Stone & Patio
-Berfara B14 Ridge 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle 22” Threaded Barrel –Donated by G.I. Loan Shop
-Tequila & Tacos with Father Jorge for 8 people–Donated by Josie & Tom Ernstmeyer, Nate & Jen Weiland and Father Jorge Canela      
-And many more!