Jennifer Hartswick, Franklin Malemud, Eric Gerber, and Maggie Malemud

Medworks hosted its fifth Annual “Medfest” fundraiser for 325 guests at Hiram House Camp in Moreland Hills (Ohio’s oldest camp, originally established in 1896.) The Medfest team introduced a wild new adventure by transforming this ranch setting with horse arena to a rodeo-style live bull-riding competition, courtesy of Cornwell Bucking Bulls of Lima.
This “Music, Mission, and Unconditional Care” event supports Medworks, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring 100 percent free healthcare to uninsured and underinsured individuals in our region. The sold-out event raised $180,000 (net revenue), which will fund mobile health clinics and services to people across the region

Jeff and Jackie Ponsky

throughout the year. For nearly 14 years, Medworks has provided medical, dental, vision, and mental health care in Northeast Ohio following its “Care + Connect” model. Medworks harnesses the power of community, engaging local partners and volunteers. It connects with patients by helping them enroll in health insurance, and access ongoing care, and wrap-around services.
Following the bull riding, guests gathered in an outdoor heated tent just in time to watch the live streaming of the Cleveland Guardians first pitch against the New York Yankees. Kelli Hanley-Potts and her team at the Cleveland Field Kitchen served up a farm-to-table Tennessee BBQ family-style meal.
Special guest speaker was Dewey Edward Chester, a retired advertising

Charnell Chapman, Executive Director; Dewey Edward Chester; and Katie Outcalt, Board Co-President

journalist, author, former professional football player, as well as a holder of an Honorary Master’s Degree and Certification in Writing from UCLA. Chester, a native of Cleveland, spoke about his challenges as a caregiver for his elderly mother, leading to economic struggles and neglect of his own healthcare. That’s where he credits Medworks, and likened its services to the “21st century Underground Railroad” for the help that they provide to those in need.
Medfesters were treated to the launch of the Jennifer Hartswick Band’s new album, “Something In The Water.” Hartswick, a current and original member of the Trey Anastasio Band (TAB), delights audiences with soulful vocals and trumpet, performed alongside two other TAB members: James Casey (saxophone) and Dezron Douglas (bass). Nick Cassarino and Conor Elmes round out the band with vocals, guitar, and drums. Additional music was performed by The Luckey Ones and the Mike Sopko & Joe Tomino duo.
Medworks’ flagship Dental Clinic is November 18-19, at Huntington Convention Center for both adults and children. Additional services include hygiene bags, produce bags from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, navigation services, referrals, haircuts and salon services, and a resource fair.For more information, visit medworksusa.org. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER