Jennifer Andress and Zac Ponsky

Century Village in Burton provided a picturesque country setting Aug. 28, for the 4th annual Medworks fundraiser, Medfest 2021. About 280 “Medfesters” gathered to support Medworks’ mission of providing 100% free access to medical, dental, vision, women’s health, and mental health care to anyone in need. No questions asked.
Medworks provides care to those who are uninsured or insured, but struggling to afford co-pays or deductibles. Both medical professionals and community volunteers come together to give their time and talents at Medworks mobile clinics. They provide high quality health care, treating the whole patient. Medworks “navigators” consult with patients to help them enroll in insurance and find access to affordable ongoing care, so they may lead healthier lives.

Paul and Karen Dolan with Cathy and Leigh Digel

Medworks staff of just six employees collaborates with hundreds of volunteers and community partners to serve thousands of families across Northeast Ohio.
The event helped to raise approximately $135,000, which will fund free mobile health clinics and services to people across the region throughout the year. The fundraiser accounts for nearly 15-20% of its annual operating budget.
Supporters who donate $250 or more received a green Medfest “trucker” hat to sport at the event. The tradition set a record this year with 80 donors in this giving category.
Kelli Hanley-Potts and her team at the Cleveland Field Kitchen prepared an ultra-local, ultra-fresh, delicious family-style meal. Mason’s Creamery whipped up creative and tasty ice cream flavors for dessert, and Burton-based restaurateur, That Hawaiian Guy’s BBQ, provided

Dorothy and Dan Moulthrop

dinner for volunteers and late-night fare. Musicians and bands from diverse backgrounds came together to share the stage and jam with each other for an epic evening show, including Jennifer Hartswick, Nick Cassarino, Hot Buttered Rum, Eddie Roberts, Robert Walter, Sput, MonoNeon, Skerik, and DJ Logic.
At the event, patient Josephine Miller, shared her inspiring story. Miller worked two jobs, but neither offered health insurance. She hadn’t been to a doctor in up to four years, and wasn’t feeling well. Gratefully, she learned from a neighbor about Medworks free clinics. She made an appointment to see Medworks volunteer, Michael Anderson, M.D., who diagnosed her with Stage 1 cervical cancer. The Medworks navigation team helped Miller get admitted to

Cari Ross and Louise Clemons

the Cleveland Clinic for treatment, under their financial assistance program, and assisted her in signing up for health insurance — as well as a COVID-19 vaccine. Miller is now cancer free, insured, and vaccinated. She credits Medworks with saving her life.
Some special touches included outdoor decor and furniture provided courtesy of VNTG Home, Geauga Land Care, and Fresh Flowers by Jen. The Fairmount Cocktail Bar, Market Garden, Sibling Revelry, Crooked Pecker, and Nooma all donated refreshing drinks for guests to enjoy.
For more information, visit medworksusa.org or follow on Facebook at Medworksusa. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA TURNER