As we all know, you can plan and plan, but North Dakota weather will always supersede those plans. 

I was reminded of this recently when we planned our annual Rooftop Patio Party. As the name suggests, this is an outdoor event for our Giving Clubs members and board members (both UMC and UMCF). This is a chance to thank our Giving Clubs members (who have given a lifetime total of $10,000 or more to UMC) for all they have done for UMC and healthcare delivery in our region. Our Foundation has a 39-year history, and we have been blessed with many supporters over these years. 

However, the morning of this event, Deb and I noticed a chance of rain developing during our evening event. As the day progressed and the rain became less of a concern, that  North Dakota humidity set in and made being outside unbearable. 

So by afternoon, we moved the event indoors, to our conference rooms on the third floor. We explained to guests as they arrived that the patio was still open and available, but they all seemed to agree that staying indoors was more preferable. They enjoyed wonderful food provided by UMC Dining staff and good conversation. (It rained just as our event was wrapping up.) 

As we start a new fiscal year at UMC and the Foundation builds its annual fundraising plan, I can’t help but think to myself: I can draft a fundraising plan that meets all of UMC’s goals, but it will always be superseded by the donor’s best interests. Is it a good time for them to give? Is the campaign or need something they feel strongly about? How do they benefit from their commitment? 

Sometimes UMC’s needs don’t align with donor interests. We’re always here to serve in the best interest of the donor. Maybe there are new donors willing to step up in a time of need. Maybe sometime down the road will be a better time for donors to give. This is always a good reminder for fundraisers, especially as we start planning for our Harvest Auction on Nov. 6 (see ad below). 

I was recently speaking to a donor about a generous gift he and his wife had made, and I thought he had a great explanation for how he chose UMC. He knew he wanted to give back to this region, but if he split up his gift between all the small towns that he cared about, his impact would be smaller. But he realized that a lot of people in the region need healthcare and probably visit Unity Medical Center. So he supported the Grafton Family Clinic expansion. The clinic saw over 13,000 patient encounters in 2025, and patients from pretty much every small town in Walsh County, and even Grand Forks and Fargo. I think that says a lot about how special UMC and our donors are to our community.