Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation

04/17/2026

Back by popular demand… and this year, even better.

One of the most talked-about moments from last year’s VIP reception was the opportunity to have custom watercolor portraits painted in real time and they were nothing short of dreamy. Guests loved watching their portraits come to life thanks to the incredible talent of Rylee Aleshire Artistry and Savannah Lueck.

For this year's 15th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala, that experience is expanding.

Working alongside Savannah, we’ve brought in additional talented artists to make live watercolor portraits available to all guests throughout the evening. It’s a unique, personal keepsake and a chance to take home a piece of the night that’s created just for you.

Trust us… you won’t want to miss this.

04/13/2026

Looking back, one of the very first things made possible through the Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation was the addition of digital mammography at Cherokee Indian Hospital.

In September 2010, women receiving routine mammograms in the radiology department gained access to the (at the time) latest in diagnostic technology with the introduction of the Selenia digital mammography system from Hologic. At the time, CIHA was among the first healthcare providers in Western North Carolina to offer this advanced, state-of-the-art system, enhancing early detection and improving patient outcomes.

This life-saving advancement was made possible through the generosity of donors, corporate support from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and the success of the very first Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala held in 2009.

As preparations continue for this year’s Gala, moments like this serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together in support of better healthcare.

04/07/2026

The Foundation, with supports from funding raised during the annual Gala, established the endowment in honor of EBCI Beloved Woman Dr. Carmaleta Monteith, whose leadership and dedication have shaped the Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation since its beginning. Created to support hospital employees pursuing growth in the medical profession, the endowment provides scholarships and funding for continuing education and professional development.

Investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen the future of healthcare in our community. The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation is proud to support the current cohort of CNA students by providing custom embroidered scrubs and new wrist watches—removing a financial barrier a...

04/05/2026

04/01/2026

The April Foundation Newsletter is out NOW!

Email from Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Secure your spot today! Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation | 1 Hospital Rd | Cherokee, NC 28719 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data

03/30/2026

Table Sponsorships are on sale now! Individual tickets will be available May 1. We hope to see you there!

03/27/2026

Throwback to where it all began.

Check out these photos from the very first Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala the “Heritage Gala.” It marked the start of a tradition created out of purpose, partnership, and a shared focus to improve health outcomes and opportunities for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

More than just raising money to support the Foundation's efforts, from the very beginning, this Gala was designed to celebrate partnerships — the relationships built across North Carolina with elected officials, civic organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, all of whom are committed to advancing the health and well-being of this community.

The purpose of the annual Gala has grown beyond just the local partnerships to now also serve as a platform for the curated opportunity to connect leaders in health policy that emphasizes rural healthcare with the voices and decision makers who serve indigenous populations. Rural healthcare and Indigenous healthcare are often discussed separately, even though the challenges, and the opportunities, overlap. This Gala became a place to bridge that gap. A place where leaders in health policy sit alongside those delivering care on the ground. A place where thoughtful and responsive conversations that directly shape our healthcare system here in Cherokee can take place to ensure the system is being built around the needs of our patients.

So much has changed since that first evening. The scale, the setting, the growth of the Foundation and the work it supports.

But the most important things haven’t changed at all.

The reason we come together.
The people who stand behind this mission.
And the belief that, working together, we can continue building something that can best serve our community.

That’s why we continue this tradition. We are so excited for the 15th Annual Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation Gala scheduled for June 27, 2026.

03/24/2026

We have received some wonderful nominations honoring professionals who have dedicated their time and talents to serving this community. There is still time to nominate someone for this year's award.

Nominations are due next Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Nominations for the annual Lula Owl Gloyne – Person of Excellence Award are officially open. Following the standard of excellence first set by Beloved Woman Lula Owl Gloyne, who worked as the first registered nurse of the EBCI, this annual award serves to honor a deserving individual whose actions...

03/09/2026

We are proud to have had the opportunity to sponsor members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians to attend this year's Night to Shine event in Macon County! We are looking forward to continuing and expanding our sponsorship for next year's event!

03/08/2026

Join us in recognizing Dr. Carmaleta Monteith today for International Women’s Day.

To learn more about her endowment, visit here: https://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/news/endowment-for-cherokee-hospital-foundation-established-at-north-carolina-community-foundation

03/06/2026

Today is Employee Appreciation Day, and the Executive Leadership Team wants to take a moment to thank each of you for the role you play in fulfilling the mission of the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.

Every day, across every department, you demonstrate the values that guide our work. Through your commitment to caring for our patients and supporting one another, you reflect the guiding principles that define CIHA: respect for every individual, integrity in how we carry out our work, teamwork and collaboration across our organization, and a commitment to excellence in the services we provide.

The work happening throughout CIHA is meaningful because of the people who make it possible. Whether you are caring for patients directly, supporting clinical teams, maintaining our facilities, managing programs, or helping ensure operations run smoothly, each role contributes to improving the health and well-being of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

Healthcare can be demanding, and the responsibilities you carry are significant. Even so, you continue to approach your work with professionalism, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. That dedication is what allows CIHA to continue advancing care for our community.

We look forward to celebrating each and every one of you and every single facility, department, unit, and team this May as we ramp up plans for our biggest Hospital Week yet! Stay tuned for details on how our organization is going to recognize CIHA all week long in May.

On behalf of the Executive Leadership Team, thank you for living out our guiding principles through your service, your teamwork, and your commitment to those we serve. We are grateful for each of you and proud to work alongside you.