Fundraising efforts by Cullman Regional Foundation has helped secure eight new ventilators for patients at the hospital.

The Foundation contributed $160,000 to the total cost of $240,000, with the bulk of that money coming from the $100,000 raised at the annual Cullman Regional Foundation Gala in April.

“The Gala was a huge success because of the support of the community and many volunteers,” said John Apel, president of the Foundation.

Apel said the Gala experienced a record year for attendance and contributions. The ventilators are being used in the Critical Care Unit of Cullman Regional.

“The Foundation includes 27 members of the local community who give their time and resources. It always starts with the community and we’ve seen tremendous support through the years,” Foundation Executive Director Maria Stanford said.

The Foundation is next turning its attention to raising funds for to provide new cardiac monitors and defibrillators for all of Cullman Regional’s ambulances.

The first major fundraiser for the project will be the Cullman Regional Foundation Golf Extravaganza on Sept. 10 at TP Country Club. The next Gala will be in 2019 when the Foundation expects to have raised $175,000.

Participants in the Golf Extravaganza will have the opportunity to compete in the Hole-In-One contest, a four-person scramble, driving contest and other activities during the event.

The golf tournament will require a number of sponsors from the community.

For more information about sponsorships, call the Foundation at 256-737-2565 or visit cullmanregional.com/foundation.