Dr. Kimberly Norris, center, was honored with the 2026 Compassion Award at the Julep Gala on May 2. She is pictured with Bill Hoefer, president and regional market leader, Corewell Health Pennock and Zeeland Hospitals, and Janine Dalman, foundation director, Corewell Health Pennock Hospital. Courtesy photos
Nearly 200 community members gathered at the Gilmore Car Museum on Saturday, May 2, for the sold-out 2026 Julep Gala raising over $100,000 to support school-based youth behavioral health clinics operated by Corewell Health Pennock Hospital.
Proceeds from the Kentucky Derby- themed event will help provide students at Hastings High School and Thornapple Kellogg High School with continued access to timely, accessible behavioral health care delivered directly to their schools.
The evening featured museum tours, mint juleps, a VIP ticket holder for wine tasting, dinner and program with a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby. The event marked the largest attendance in the gala’s history.
“This was truly a wonderful evening, made even more meaningful by the excitement of coming together to raise funds in support of the children of Barry County,” said Bernie Jore, chief operating officer, Corewell Health Pennock and Zeeland Hospitals. “Because of the incredible generosity of our community, students at Hastings High School and Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville will continue to have access to tele behavioral health services when they are in school and during times of distress, ensuring that no child goes without counseling when they need it most.”
The gala also honored Dr. Kimberly Norris with the 2026 Compassion Award, recognizing her decades- long commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and her lasting impact at Corewell Health Pennock Hospital.
“Dr. Norris represents the very heart of compassion — caring for people not only as patients, but as individuals,” said Bill Hoefer, president and regional market leader, Corewell Health Pennock and Zeeland Hospitals. “Her example mirrors what this community makes possible through generosity.”
Thanks to donor support through Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan, Corewell Health Pennock Hospital operates youth behavioral health clinics within local schools, removing common barriers to mental health care such as transportation, time and insurance concerns by delivering care during the school day. Philanthropic support helps cover the cost of care for students who are uninsured or underinsured, allowing them to receive the same behavioral health services as their peers. Since the clinics launched in 2022, more than 400 students have accessed behavioral health services through the program, including 50 students experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, all who now have safety plans in place. Students who received care reported a 45% reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“These numbers tell a powerful story,” said Janine Dalman, foundation director, Corewell Health Pennock Hospital. “Because of philanthropy, students can get help when they need it most — often before a crisis escalates. This is the real, lasting impact donors make when they support Pennock Hospital.”
“When therapy is available at school, students feel safe, supported and understood,” said Natalie Steensma, behavioral health liaison between Corewell Health and local schools. “Early access changes outcomes — and generous donors make that access possible.”
Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan extends special thanks to its Presenting “Run for the Roses” Sponsors, whose leadership support helped make the 2026 Julep Gala possible:
• Hastings Hot Line Tools and Equipment
• Meijer
The Foundation also thanks its event sponsors, partners, volunteers and attendees for investing in the health and hope of young people across the region. To support school-based youth behavioral health clinics, please contact Janine Dalman at jdalman@corewellhealth.org or donate online at bit.ly/PennockYBHC.