Kankakee, Illinois – Tuesday – A March 7 gala will fund expansion of Riverside’s inpatient behavioral health unit.
Riverside Healthcare announced that proceeds from its 2026 Heart Ball will support the expansion of the Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. The unit, located on the hospital’s second floor, is being expanded to address growing demand for mental health services in the region.
According to Riverside Healthcare Foundation officials, the biennial fundraiser is the organization’s premier charitable event. This year’s theme, “Roaring Riverside,” will feature dining and entertainment at the Tinley Park Convention Center.
“The Heart Ball this year is benefitting behavioral health and mental health services, an area that has a lot of need in the community we serve,” said Matt McBurnie, vice president of public relations and communication at Riverside. He said donations through the foundation directly support patient care advancements.
For the first time in the event’s history, organizers announced two Diamond Sponsors, each contributing $50,000 toward the behavioral health expansion.
The first sponsorship comes from four Riverside physicians: Dr. Juan Jimenez of the Riverside Brain & Spine Institute; Dr. Didi Omiyi of the Riverside Orthopedic & Spine Center; Dr. Shaud Ahmed, interventional radiologist; and Dr. Shamit Desai, interventional radiologist.
Midwestern University, Riverside’s teaching hospital partner, is the second $50,000 Diamond Sponsor. The university provides medical residents and fellows who train at Riverside.
Phil Kambic, president and CEO of Riverside Healthcare, said sponsor contributions will help expand services to meet increasing community demand. Mental health access remains a growing concern for families, students and young adults across Kankakee County.
The Heart Ball was established in 2000 and is held every two years. More information about the event and sponsorships is available at riversidehealthcare.org/heartball.
