Financial services company Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party at the Courtyard by Marriott Iowa City/University Heights to benefit its nursing support foundation, the Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa Pediatric
Oncology Nursing Support Fund.
Nursing shortages and burnout have plagued the health care industry since the COVID-19 pandemic, jeopardizing patient care and experience.
According to a news release, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital eliminated volunteers as a precautionary measure during the pandemic, which meant nurses administered to their young patients without volunteers to play with them, increasing the risk of distracted care giving.
In the most recent staff engagement survey, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children & Hospital reported that 33% of staff feel they have an unreasonable amount of job stress, over half struggle to free their mind from work when they leave, and 44% lose sleep over work issues.
In 2022, Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa created the Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa Pediatric Oncology Nursing Support Fund with $35,000.
The main objective of the fund is to improve care and support for families at The Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center by investing in the nursing and support staff who work on that floor. It offers comprehensive, long-term assistance to the nursing team through initiatives aimed at boosting morale.
“We are proud to support a mission that continually makes progress on saving the lives of children with cancer while providing the highest levels of comfort and compassion,” said Kalvin Grabau Keele, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa. “To be able to come alongside the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and create a tailwind for the heroes – nurses and doctors – of the hospital is very fulfilling and one our entire firm is committed to.”
To support and sustain the fund, the company will host a Kentucky Derby watch party fundraiser at the Marriott adjacent to Kinnick Stadium and the Children’s Hospital on May 4 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The event will feature Kentucky Derby-themed cuisine and beverages, bourbon tasting hosted by John’s Grocery, live Bluegrass music performed by Banjoy, a live auction, fundraising horse race betting, and speakers.
Among the speakers is Kinley Albrecht, a recent cancer survivor renowned locally for her exceptional artwork, and one of her pieces will be auctioned at the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear Derby attire and hats, with prizes awarded for the best hat and most dapper attire, each receiving $500 gift cards.
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite! Ticket price includes admission, entertainment, live music, food and bourbon tasting. If you or your business is interested in supporting or sponsoring the fundraiser, contact committee chair Crystal Walter at crystal.walter@nm.com.
