The Riverside Healthcare Foundation announced on Mar. 11 that the 2026 Riverside Heart Ball raised $815,000 to support the expansion of Riverside Healthcare’s Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit at Riverside Medical Center. The event took place at the Tinley Park Convention Center and drew an attendance of 1,300 people.
The funds will go toward expanding mental health services in the area, addressing what organizers describe as an increasing need for such care. The Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit is currently under construction on the second floor of Riverside Medical Center.
This year’s Heart Ball, themed “Roaring Riverside,” marked a milestone with two sponsors contributing at the $50,000 Diamond Sponsor level for the first time. One sponsorship came from a group including Dr. Juan Jimenez, neurosurgeon; Dr. Didi Omiyi, orthopedic surgeon; and Drs. Saud Ahmed and Shamit Desai from Gotham Medical. The other was provided by Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.
During the program, President and CEO Phil Kambic presented the Good Heart Award to Jeff and Kim Bennett and Ron McColly for their contributions to both Riverside and the wider 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,” said Kambic. “Jeff, Kim, and Ron embody the very meaning of the Good Heart Award.”
The Heart Ball has been held biennially since 2000 as Riverside Healthcare’s main fundraising event. It brings together supporters to celebrate efforts aimed at improving healthcare quality in the region.
More information about this year’s sponsors can be found at riversidehealthcare.org/heartball.
