2026 Heart Ball: Roaring Riverside
A Record-Breaking $815,000 Raised for Behavioral Health
50 Years of Samaritans
Discover the inspiring stories of community leaders who've shaped healthcare in our region for five decades.
Thank You for a Record-Breaking Evening
On March 7, 2026, more than 1,300 of Riverside's friends and neighbors stepped back into the Roaring '20s for an unforgettable night of dining, dancing, and community generosity at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Heart Ball 2026: Roaring Riverside raised a record-breaking $815,000 for the Riverside Healthcare Foundation — advancing Behavioral Health services and strengthening care for our community for years to come.
Thank you to every guest, sponsor, and supporter who made this evening possible. Your generosity is remarkable care in action.
2026 Good Heart Award
Congratulations Jeff & Kim Bennett and Ron McColly
The Good Heart Award is one of the highest honors Riverside Healthcare bestows — recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary impact not only on Riverside, but on the community as a whole. This year, we are proud to honor the McColly Bennett team: Ron McColly, Jeff Bennett, and Kim Bennett.
From transformative real estate partnerships and generous property donations to 16 years of Heart Ball committee leadership, the McColly Bennett team has been a driving force for growth in Kankakee County. Their unwavering belief in our community — and in the power of giving back — has helped shape a stronger, healthier future for all of us.
"As a community hospital and not-for-profit, mission-driven organization, we're always looking for people who really give time, talent, and treasure," said Riverside President & CEO Phil Kambic. "Jeff, Kim, and Ron embody the very meaning of the Good Heart Award."
Riverside Healthcare President & CEO Phil Kambic and colleagues share the story of this year's Good Heart Award recipients.
Your Support in Action
Investing in Behavioral Health for Our Community
This year's record-breaking Heart Ball raised $815,000 to support one of the most pressing needs in our region: access to comprehensive behavioral health services. While many hospitals across the country are stepping away from behavioral health, Riverside Healthcare is doubling down — because our community depends on it.
Riverside leaders, clinicians, and a grateful family member share why behavioral health investment matters.
Riverside's behavioral health services reach across the full spectrum of care — from inpatient treatment and the Pathways partial hospitalization program to school-based therapy, substance abuse treatment, trauma-specific care, geriatric behavioral health, and the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic for children with autism. Your support makes this continuum of care possible.
Diamond Sponsors
Celebrating Our Diamond Sponsors
Heart Ball 2026 marked the first time in the event's history that sponsors gave at the $50,000 Diamond level — and it happened twice. These two landmark sponsorships helped propel this year's record-breaking fundraising and set a new standard of generosity for future Heart Ball events.
Physician Collaborative Gift
Four Riverside physicians came together to make a collective Diamond-level gift in support of behavioral health — led by Dr. Juan Jimenez, who contributed $25,000 personally. Their combined generosity reflects the care and commitment our medical team brings to this community every day.
Dr. Juan Jimenez, Neurosurgeon
Dr. Didi Omiyi, Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Saud Ahmed & Dr. Shamit Desai, Interventional Radiologists, Gotham Medical
Hear why these physicians chose Riverside and why they give back.
From pioneering minimally invasive neurosurgery to launching a new interventional radiology practice, these providers are committed to delivering remarkable care right where you live — and to supporting the future of behavioral health at Riverside.
Midwestern University
Midwestern University's Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and Riverside Healthcare share a commitment to training the next generation of healthcare providers. Through clinical student rotations and graduate medical education partnerships, Midwestern students gain hands-on experience alongside Riverside physicians — many going on to apply for Riverside's residency and fellowship programs.
Thank you to Midwestern University for their generous Diamond Sponsorship in support of behavioral health services.
Roaring Riverside
Heart Ball 2026 Highlights
From the Art Deco elegance to the energy on the dance floor, Heart Ball 2026 was a night to remember. Take a look back at an unforgettable evening.
Highlights from Heart Ball 2026: Roaring Riverside.
Photo Gallery
Heart Ball 2026 Photos
Enjoy a glimpse of the energy, excitement, and community spirit from Heart Ball 2026: Roaring Riverside.
Thank You to Our 2026 Heart Ball Sponsors
Diamond Sponsors
Dr. Juan Jimenez • Dr. Didi Omiyi • Dr. Saud Ahmed • Dr. Shamit Desai
Presenting Sponsors
Premier Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
- Advocatia
- Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgical Institute (2)
- CCL Hospitality Group
- Citadel Healthcare
- Comer Children's Hospital
- Craig's Landscaping
- Floor Covering Associates of K3 Inc.
- Horizon Health
- Hughes Socol Piers Resnic & Dym, LTD
- Innovative Insulation
- Iroquois Federal Foundation
- Jensen & Halstead
- Jewel Osco
- Kankakee Community College
- Manteno Chamber of Commerce
- Matco
- Medtronic
- Midland States Bank
- MRA Revecore
- Municipal Bank
- OAK/Illinois Bone & Joint Institute
- Peddinghaus Corp
- PSI Construction
- R&D Construction
- Ruder Electric
- Ruth Freedman & Dan Wander
- Shaw Local
- University Pathologists, PC
About Heart Ball
The Heart Ball is Riverside Healthcare Foundation's premier fundraising event. Since its inception in 2000, thousands of Riverside's supporters have gathered to celebrate efforts to bring remarkable, award-winning care to the region and to show continuous support for advancing these efforts well into the future. Always a different theme, complete with dining, dancing, live entertainment, and more, the biennial Heart Ball is a night to remember and an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of many in our community.
2026 Heart Ball Committee
Thank you to the dedicated volunteers who brought Roaring Riverside to life: Laura Andersen, Anya Baron, Nicole Burgess, Jennifer Bustos, Gina Cordes, Jamie Freedlund, Nicole Gavin, Sarah Hemenover, Matt McBurnie, Annie Mitchell, and Dr. Linda Mitchell.