SOAP LAKE — A dinner to raise money for McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation, to thank people for their support of McKay and to showcase McKay’s services is scheduled for Sunday, The “Gathered in Gratitude” dinner and fundraiser is scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort, 236 E. Main Ave. 

“Gathered in Gratitude” includes live and silent auctions as well as dinner.

“An evening that’s dedicated to raising awareness and funds for McKay Healthcare,” said Corinne Isaak of the Columbia Basin Foundation.

Money raised during “Gathered in Gratitude” will go to buy smart televisions for all McKay residents and to update equipment in the physical therapy room, she said. Along with that, it’s a chance to talk about McKay, its residents, activities and its plans to upgrade and possibly expand.

McKay is an extended care facility and also offers housing and support for people undergoing rehabilitation. 

The Columbia Basin Foundation has had a partnership with the McKay Foundation since 2020, working to obtain grants and raise funds for McKay and its residents. Isaak said it’s a place and a cause that’s very important to her.

When her mom and dad moved to assisted living the nearest facility that worked for them was in Spokane, she said. As a result, she drove once a week to Spokane for the duration of their residence there, about 10 years. She said seniors and their families need a local option and McKay, in her opinion, provides that.

“It’s close, it’s cozy, it’s competent medical care,” she said. “It’s a wonderful senior living community right in the middle of Grant County.”

The two foundations obtained a grant to buy a new bus, a way for its residents to go to events and on field trips. They’ve also found money to update McKay’s laundry and kitchen equipment, buy a new exterior sign and launch a new website.

The patio has been upgraded with two new shade structures, new furniture and flowers and two new barbecue grills. Everybody likes to sit out in the backyard in the summer, Isaak said, and McKay residents are no different. 

“We’ve come a long way,” she said.

The McKay commissioners are working on a longer-term plan to upgrade and possibly expand the facility in the long term. As the initial step in that process, commissioners have contracted with a Seattle company to write a strategic plan and work on a site plan. 

Tickets for “Gathered in Gratitude” are still available and can be purchased at the Columbia Basin Foundation website, www.cbfcommunity.org.

“We want to have a wonderful event to kick off the holiday season,” Isaak said. 

Donations to McKay can be made on the foundation’s website at any time, she said. Donors can designate funds for specific projects. 

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached via email at [email protected].