When we imagined an annual fundraising event, the goals were very organic – to raise critical awareness about the Reinhart Guest House mission, invite the community into our home, to celebrate and raise sustaining funds that support the ministry for the long term. The response to this event continues to be overwhelmingly positive, so we continue to ROCK! The Guest House serves more than 1,500 families annually, traveling from 49 states and internationally, to be near loved ones at St. Mary’s Hospital. Community members serve and support in many heartfelt ways, from writing notes filled with prayers and hope for our families, to preparing home-cooked meals that have most assuredly generated positive energy for our families. We see the impact of this kindness in the eyes of our caregivers every day. We are reminded daily how important community partnerships are to the mission of hospitality at St. Mary’s Hospital. Keeping families close is the greatest gift we can offer. Local fundraising efforts like Rockin’ on the Avenue remain a strong source of funding and awareness for the mission.