Chef Kelli Hanley Potts (center) and Cleveland Field Kitchen staff

Medworks combined forces with MedWish this year to host its first ever MedBash, on September 7, at the Highland Park Golf Course, a community gathering place for nearly 100 years. The two non-profit organizations merged in September 2024, and are dedicated to bringing health to people and the environment locally and around the world. The event, attended by 360 guests, raised close to $600,000, and will be used to provide even more comprehensive support to individuals through direct health care services, essential medical supplies, and community resources — in Cleveland and across the globe.

Lee Ponsky started MedWish in 1993 to give surplus medical supplies and equipment a second life by sending them to communities in need around the world. In 2009, his brother Zac Ponsky created Medworks to deliver 100% free, volunteer-driven medical, dental, and vision care to thousands of those who are uninsured or underinsured. Medworks also helps connect patients with medical insurance and resources they need to stay on a healthier plan.
Singer-songwriter Taylor Lamborn entertained with acoustic guitar for the fundraiser’s cocktail hour outside on the golf course green. Folks enjoyed a

Matt Kroh and Jean Uy-Kroh with Katie and Connor Herr

heirloom tomato bar complete with fresh herbs, sea salts and balsamic vinegar, provided by Cleveland Field Kitchen’s chef Kelli Hanley Potts, caterer

of the event. Potts brought “Winnie,” a renovated 1969 Winnebago Camper model 216, where her staff served specialty cocktails as guests checked in. European Wine Imports and Crooked Pecker Brewing Co. also provided beverages.
Headliner musicians “The Rare Sounds” rocked out after dinner in the large outdoor tent featuring Eddie Roberts, Robert Walter, Chris Stillwell, Zach Najor and Adryon DeLeon.
Jimmy Boland, Mallie Boland, Amy Dickenson, Karen Dolan, Paul Dolan, Bob Flesher, Maureen Flesher, Krissy Dietrich Gallagher, Mark Gallagher, Sara Hurand, Pep Llinas, Franklin Malemud, Joe Patterson, Lori Patterson, Karen Vollmer, Andy Vollmer and Elie Weiss served as MedBash 2024 co-

chairs.  STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER