Legacy Gala
An Evening of Awards and Appreciation
This premier legacy event honors the past, present, and future of excellence in healthcare serving our community and beyond. The event features a dinner, entertainment, and a program recognizing our Daisy Award, Outstanding Employee, Impact Award, 2025 Great Iowa Nurse, and Hospital Hero.
Friday, November 14, 2025
- Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park Konferenz Center 130 Heritage Drive, Manning, IA 51455
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5-6pm Doors Open & Cocktail Hour
6-7pm Dinner catered by Lidderdale
7-8pm Legacy Program + Wreath Auction
8-9:30pm – Entertainment - 1 Piano 2 Much Fun - $40/ticket or $75/couple to registerOption to purchase a table, includes 8 tickets.
Presenting Sponsors
Table Sponsors
RGS Snow, LLC –Ross & Courtney Rupiper
Rupiper Grain & Salvage-Ross & Courtney Rupiper
Chad & Shannon Black
Tom & Susie Ulrickson
Bret & Jill Richards
Jim & Virginia Rasmussen
Table Host Sponsors
Taya & Danny Vonnahme
DAISY Award
The DAISY Award is a national recognition program that honors extraordinary nurses for their compassionate care, clinical excellence, and meaningful impact on patients and families. At MRHC, this award celebrates nurses who consistently go above and beyond in their service to others. This year’s honoree, Steph Brink, a registered nurse in the Med-Surg department, received the DAISY Award for her kindness, dedication, and patient-centered care. Nominated for the comfort and reassurance she provides during challenging moments, Steph exemplifies what it means to be a caring and trusted nurse. Her commitment to excellence and empathy make her a valued member of the MRHC team.
Outstanding Employee Award
Each year, MRHC honors one team member who exemplifies dedication, compassion, and excellence through the Outstanding Employee Award. This recognition celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their roles, making a lasting impact on patients, coworkers, and the organization as a whole. This year’s recipient, Shelli Barsby, the acute care administrative assistant, was honored for her exceptional commitment, positive attitude, and willingness to support others across departments. Known for her dependability, kindness, and drive to improve the patient experience, Shelli is a true asset to the MRHC team and a shining example of outstanding service.
MRHC Impact Award
The MRHC Impact Award is a new honor created to recognize employees who make a significant difference through their innovation, leadership, and positive influence on others. This award highlights team members who go beyond expectations to improve patient care, workplace culture, and organizational success. The inaugural recipient, Taylor Nelson, therapy director and physical therapist, was recognized for his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and willingness to step up in times of need. Whether orienting new staff, taking on extra responsibilities, or enhancing patient care, Taylor’s impact is felt across MRHC, making him a deserving first honoree of this meaningful award.
Great Iowa Nurse Award
The Great Iowa Nurse Award honors nurses who consistently go above and beyond in providing safe, compassionate care, improving community health, and serving as leaders and role models for their peers. This year, Mikasia Jacobsen, BSN, RN, was recognized as a 2025 Great Iowa Nurse . Since starting as a volunteer EMT in 2016, Mikasia has progressed through MRHC’s tuition assistance program, earning her CNA, LPN, RN, and BSN. Now serving as House Supervisor and primarily working in the ER, she has earned the nickname “ER Queen” for her calm leadership, adaptability, and unwavering dedication . Colleagues praise her as a dependable caregiver who inspires others and exemplifies excellence in emergency medicine . Her compassionate care makes Mikasia a truly deserving recipient of this statewide honor.
Dr. Douglas McLaws
IHA Hospital Hero Award Winner
IHA Hospital Hero Award
The Iowa Hospital Association’s Iowa Hospital Hero award is one of the highest recognitions given in Iowa healthcare. It celebrates individuals who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on their patients, coworkers, and communities. Out of thousands of healthcare professionals across the state, only a select few are chosen each year, and Dr. McLaws is one of them. This award is a reflection of Dr. McLaws’ dedication to MRHC and his community and his compassion for his patients.
Entertainment
We’ve all seen dueling pianos, but get ready for 1 Piano, 2 Much Fun! from Fun Pianos. This high-energy, interactive show brings all the fun of a dueling piano performance with just one piano and endless laughs. Packed with music, comedy, and crowd participation, it’s an unforgettable experience that will have everyone singing, clapping, and laughing all night long!
Wreath Silent Auction
Join the festive fun and creativity of the Wreath Silent Auction! Starting October 1st, pick up one of 15 wreaths provided by MRHC and let your imagination run wild. Decorate and design your wreath to reflect the season, your business, or a theme you love. Completed wreaths are due back by October 31st and will be auctioned off during the Legacy Gala. All proceeds will support local health and wellness initiatives. Want to be part of the fun? Sponsor a wreath, show off your creativity, and make a difference in our community!