Bozeman, MT. – March 6, 2026 – Saddle up! On Saturday, April 25, Bozeman Health Foundation will host its annual Hospitality Gala with a “Wild West” theme, celebrating our community’s roots and spirit while raising funds to expand emergency services at Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center (DRMC).

Each year, the Foundation’s signature black-tie fundraising event brings together nearly 500 community members. Proceeds from this year’s gala will directly support the critical expansion of the hospital’s Emergency Department.
“Our community has always met challenges with heart and generosity,” said Dr. Eric Lowe, emergency medicine physician and Emergency Department medical director. “Together, we’re meeting our community’s growing needs by expanding and enhancing emergency services—because emergency care is something every one of us may need, at any time.”

The Emergency Department serves as our area’s sole emergency department and provides time-sensitive, lifesaving trauma care for patients across three counties in Southwest Montana. It is nationally recognized for quality measures, including heart attack care ranking in the top 1% nationally. Demand for emergency services continues to climb. In 2021, the Emergency Department saw 30,000 patient visits. By 2025, that number had grown by more than 30%.

“As our community grows, responsible health care planning means ensuring our facilities keep pace with demand so we can continue delivering timely, exceptional care,” said Kallie Kujawa, Bozeman Health chief operating officer. “While the current Emergency Department continues to provide safe, high-quality care, it is operating near capacity.”

The expansion project will nearly double the number of treatment rooms — from 21 to 40 — and will include additional advanced equipment and technology to support high-acuity, complex care. With exceptional physicians, nurses and care teams in place, the expansion ensures the physical space matches the level of expertise and advanced care delivered every day.

A strong, effective Emergency Department supports the entire hospital and health system — and the
long-term health of the region. The Wild West Gala will begin at 6 p.m. April 25 in the Strand Union Building ballrooms at Montana State University. Guests are encouraged to wear Western cocktail attire. The evening will include dinner, a hosted bar, live and silent auctions, an inspirational program and a special performance by Cole Decker.

“The Hospitality Gala is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together for a
shared purpose,” said Matt Miller, chief philanthropy officer for the Foundation. “Every act of generosity
will help ensure our Emergency Department continues to grow and continue providing lifesaving care
for our neighbors, friends and families when they need it most.”

Tickets and online auction participation are available here.

Community members interested in sponsoring, attending or donating are encouraged to contact
foundation@bozemanhealth.org or call 406-414-5441 for more information.