Riverside Healthcare raised a record $815,000 at its biennial Heart Ball gala on Saturday, March 7, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The funds will support the expansion of Riverside Healthcare’s Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, a project addressing the growing need for mental health services in the area.

The event, themed “Roaring Riverside,” drew 1,300 attendees for an evening of dining, dancing, and fundraising.

Two sponsors made history by each contributing $50,000 — the first time the Heart Ball has offered a Diamond Sponsor level at that amount.

The first Diamond Sponsor was a combined gift from Dr. Juan Jimenez, a neurosurgeon who contributed $25,000 personally, along with Dr. Didi Omiyi, an orthopedic surgeon, and Drs. Saud Ahmed and Shamit Desai, interventional radiologists from Gotham Medical.

The second Diamond Sponsor was Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Riverside’s teaching hospital partner.

During the program, Riverside President and CEO Phil Kambic presented the Good Heart Award to Jeff and Kim Bennett and Ron McColly for their generosity to Riverside and the community.

“As a community hospital and not-for-profit, mission-driven organization, we’re always looking for people who really give time, talent, and treasure,” Kambic said. “Jeff, Kim, and Ron embody the very meaning of the Good Heart Award.”

The Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit is currently under construction on the second floor of Riverside Medical Center.

For more information about the Heart Ball and to view the complete sponsor list, riversidehealthcare.org/heartball. To learn more about the Riverside Healthcare Foundation or to donate, visit riversidehealthcare.org/foundation.