Aurora Health Care Foundation Celebrates 40 Years of Benefit Event, Raises Funds for Emergency Preparedness

FONTANA, Wis., Sept. 29, 2026 - Aurora Health Care Foundation celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Benefit Event on Saturday evening, raising more than $162,000 to support emergency preparedness training and disaster response efforts for hundreds of emergency medical services professionals.

Held at Big Foot Country Club in Fontana, the event surpassed its fundraising goal and helped fund hands-on training equipment and educational resources used by more than 650 EMS providers through Aurora Health Care's South Wisconsin EMS program. Since its founding in 1986, the Benefit Event has raised more than $3 million to fund programs, services and equipment that support patients and families throughout Walworth County and the surrounding region.

As a former EMS provider, I know firsthand how much training, teamwork and the right tools matter when every second counts," said Gabrielle Finley-Hazle, president of Aurora Health Care and Advocate Health's Wisconsin Division. "This support will help EMS professionals and care teams strengthen critical skills through advanced simulation and real-world training, ultimately helping patients receive the highest-quality care when they need it most. I'm grateful to our donors, sponsors, volunteers and community members for making this possible."

Aurora South Wisconsin EMS, based at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, provides medical direction and training support to more than 22 EMS agencies and emergency response partners across Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties. During the program, attendees learned how funds raised through the event will support advanced simulation-based training tools that help EMS professionals and hospital teams prepare for complex, high-risk emergencies.

"Emergency situations do not come with an opportunity to practice," said Dr. Andrew Aswegan, emergency physician at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and prehospital emergency medical director for Aurora Health Care. "Simulation training helps first responders build confidence, strengthen communication and refine critical skills before they are needed in the field. The investments made through this event will help prepare EMS professionals across our region for some of the most challenging moments they may face while caring for patients."

Funds raised through the Benefit Event will support advanced simulation technology and educational resources that allow EMS professionals to train for some of the most complex emergencies they may encounter in the field. From cardiac arrests and traumatic injuries to newborn resuscitation and hazardous-material incidents, these hands-on training tools help build confidence, strengthen teamwork and improve patient care across southeastern Wisconsin.

The evening also included the presentation of the 2026 Alice J. Morava Physician Leadership Award to Dr. Paul Sauer, orthopedic surgeon and president of the Aurora Burlington Lakeland Medical Staff Leadership Council. Named in honor of longtime Benefit Event champion and community advocate Alice J. Morava, the recognition celebrates physicians whose leadership, service and dedication have made a meaningful difference for patients, teammates and the community.

"My mother believed deeply in giving back to the community and supporting the hospital that had cared for our family through so many moments in life," said Cathy Morava, daughter of Alice J. Morava and a member of the Benefit Event planning committee. "What started as a group of women coming together to support local healthcare forty years ago has grown into a lasting tradition that reflects the generosity and shared commitment of this community."

Media Contact:
[email protected]