Deb Koski, CFRE
Chief Philanthropy Officer
giving for good bemidji
For patients at the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center, the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and beyond, your generosity makes all the difference. Together, we’re powering new insights, driving breakthroughs and providing patients and families with world-class, comprehensive care close to home in the Bemidji region. We’re saving more lives thanks to the addition of the new PET/CT digital imaging system at the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center and the regions first Mobile Mammography Unit.
Last year, we put over $2.2 million in philanthropic gifts to work across the Bemidji region. Read more in the 2025 annual report.
Local Priorities
Philanthropy is an integral part of the care provided at Sanford Health. The Sanford Health Foundation in the Bemidji region plays a crucial role in supporting specific programming for patients and staff, upgrading essential equipment, and funding special projects tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
Leadership Connection
A region update from Dr. Jason Caron, president & CEO of Sanford Bemidji.
March 26, 2026
As the nation’s largest nonprofit rural health system, philanthropy is central to everything we do. It fuels innovation, enhances the care we provide and ensures that everyone — no matter their zip code — can access world-class care, close to home.
We often say that a gift to Sanford Health is the most meaningful gift anyone can make. That’s because here, 100% of every gift — no matter the size — touches the lives of patients and families right here in our community. You’ll see this reflected throughout our 2025 Annual Report. Inside, you’ll find powerful stories that highlight the impact of giving across the Bemidji region. From significant projects like northern Minnesota’s first mobile mammography unit and the region’s first child life program to meaningful programs like nurse navigation and PETAL (Parents Embracing Time After Loss), every gift brings the promise of hope, healing and comfort when it matters most.
On behalf of the Bemidji region, thank you for Giving for Good in 2025. We are endlessly grateful for your friendship, partnership and continued belief in our mission.
Dr. Jason Caron
Bemidji’s Signature Events
Below are a few of the signature events we host in the Bemidji region. To see more events in Bemidji, visit our calendar.
Get Involved through Fundraising
At Sanford Health, our doctors, researchers and caregivers are working to bring health, hope and healing to more than 1.2 million people across the Upper Midwest. With you on our team, we can accelerate our race to uncover new breakthroughs, develop new treatments and create meaningful programs that support patients and their families.
Launch your fundraiser in the Bemidji region and inspire others to give for good today!
Bemidji Team
Amy Hinkemeyer
Vice President – Fargo & Bemidji
Sally Corser
Philanthropy Officer – Bemidji
Emily Aitken-MaGaurn
Senior Development Officer – Bemidji
Stephanie Skaret
Development Specialist – Bemidji
Bemidji Board Members
Chair
Ryan Welle
First National Bank Bemidji – President
Vice Chair
Pete Aube
Retired, Businessman
Secretary
Steve Rith-Najarian, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Treasurer
Suzanne Frambers
Retired, Clinical Nurse
Joseph Corser, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Jason Caron, MD
Sanford Health – President & CEO
Jolyn Seitz, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Ashley Lundin, MD
Sanford Health – Ophthalmology
Mary Fairbanks
Retired, Clinical Nurse and Nursing Professor
Doug Carlson
Retired, Community Volunteer
Krisi Fenner
Bemidji State University – Vice President of Finance and Administration
Andrea Kingbird
City of Bemidji – Attorney
Brad Smith, PA-C
Sanford Health – Physician Assistant