2026 Pours for a Purpose Raises nearly $415,000 for Bemidji Emergency Department Remodel

Each year, Pours for a Purpose brings the Bemidji community together for an evening of exceptional food, fine wine and a shared passion for strengthening healthcare across the Bemidji region. 

This year’s event continued that tradition — raising nearly $415,000 for a new project that will advance emergency care at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. 

As the region’s largest nonprofit hospital and the only Level III Trauma Center within 70 miles of Bemidji, the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center serves seven counties and 16 cities across Northern Minnesota whose collective population totals more than 176,000 people. 

As the region grows, so does the need for emergency health services. In 2025, more than 26,500 local patients turned to the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center for emergency care — an average of 73 patients per day. Among those patients, many, like Lexi, arrived in critical condition with life-threatening conditions that required immediate care.  

At Pours for a Purpose, Sanford Bemidji leadership unveiled plans for an Emergency Department enhancement project designed to address the growing and changing emergency health needs of the region.  

“When emergencies strike, every second counts. By updating and remodeling our Emergency Department, we can ensure local patients and families have access to the right care at the right time, close to home,” said Dr. Jason Caron, president and CEO for Sanford Bemidji. “With growing numbers of patients turning to us for emergency care, this is a priority for our region. We are beyond grateful to those who helped us bring this idea to life. Now, we need the support of our community to bring this project across the finish line.” 

Led by a visionary $1 million gift from Dr. Richard and Nilla Stennes, Bemidji’s updated Emergency Department — which will proudly carry their name — will enhance emergency care, improve safety and provide additional support to caregivers and staff.   

“Remodeling our Emergency Department has been a dream of ours for a long time, so we are incredibly grateful to Dr. Richard and Nilla Stennes for stepping forward to launch this project. Their generosity and their love for this community is such an inspiration,” Dr. Caron said. “We are also thankful to all those who gave in support of this effort at Pours for a Purpose. Truly, every gift means the world to us — and to those we serve.” 

The Emergency Department enhancement project will feature: 

• New spaces, including new trauma rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, new treatment rooms, the addition of safety-enhanced behavioral health rooms and additional restrooms 

• A remodeled “fast-track” space for enhanced care 

• New care transition spaces for patients who are medically stable but not yet ready for the next step in care, such as those waiting for test results or discharge 

• Renovations to all existing patient exam rooms and additional storage solutions 

• The addition of a dedicated entrance and space for law enforcement, as well as additional safety enhancements for patients and staff 

• Equipment upgrades to support the needs of bariatric patients

Give today to ensure every patient and family has access to the right care at the right time, close to home. 100% of your gift will help enhance the Stennes Emergency Department at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.