Deb Koski
Chief Philanthropy Officer, CFRE
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 $3.2 million in philanthropic gifts to work across the Bemidji region. Read more in the 2024 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 Karla Eischens, president & CEO of Sanford Bemidji.
August 28, 2025
In northern Minnesota, we know that raising healthy kids takes all of us. We also know that as our region grows and changes, so do the needs of local children. Thanks to friends like you, we’re continuing to respond to those changing needs with programs and services local kids need to grow up safe, healthy and full of potential. Recent examples include the pediatric food and essentials pantry in our children’s clinic, where families can receive healthy, shelf-stable food the same day they come in for care. Since launching the program, we’ve distributed more than 18,000 pounds of food to nearly 500 children and their families. Our work to bring child life services to Bemidji is another example. Fueled by philanthropy, this program will provide support to children and their families during hospital visits, surgeries and treatments — and thanks to the support of our community, it will be offered at no cost to families. These are just two of many ways we’re working fill the gaps that hold kids back, thanks to your support and kindness.
Thank you, as always, for your support of our mission and for partnering with us to help every child achieve the hopeful, healthy future they deserve.
Karla Eischens
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
Emily Aitken-MaGaurn
Senior Development Officer – Bemidji
Stephanie Skaret
Development Specialist – Bemidji
Sally Corser
Philanthropy Officer – Bemidji
Bemidji Board Members
Chair
Joseph Corser, MD
Sanford Health – Emergency Room Physician
Vice Chair
Gretchen Knutson
Delta Dental Plan of Minnesota – Vice President Customer Service
Secretary / Treasurer
Bruce Bentfield
First National Bank Bemidji – Commercial Loan Officer / Indirect Lending Division Manager
Jake Bluhm
Bluhm Insurance Agency, Inc. – State Farm Insurance Agent
Karla Eischens
Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota – President
Mike Fogelson
Up North Sports – Business Owner
Tim Dondelinger
Dondelinger Chevrolet Buick GMC – Business Owner
Dr. John Hoffman
Bemidji State University – President
Jared Pink
TruStar Federal Credit Union – Vice President
Give for Bemidji
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