A Fountain Hills fundraiser for Medical Hands for Healing netted approximately $20,000 for the non-profit organization.

The June 28 fundraiser was held at Eagle Mountain.

Also known as “Manos Que Ayudan,” or Hands That Help, the organization plans a return trip this fall to El Salvador to provide free medical services to citizens living in the area.

Ken and Colette Bailie of Fountain Hills organized much of the event, and Colette said it exceeded their expectations.

“We had a great turnout, the food was good and it appeared as if everyone had a good time,” she added.

Besides tasty hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, the event included “gambling” tables where participants could earn chips to cash in for raffle tickets.

The group traveled to Santa Ana, El Salvador last November, which is that country’s second largest city and near Ataco, a Sister City to Fountain Hills.

The international medical service team had such a good trip last fall that they are planning to depart Oct. 25 for a second visit.

“We’re going back again to the same hospital, and we will probably have about 40 people,” Colette said.

“The facility was very clean, and the people were so gracious. That’s why we’re going back.”

The medical team will perform a variety of evaluations and surgeries, concentrating on gynecology, necessary plastic surgery, orthopedics, general surgery and internal medicine.

Previous trips by this group have included Nicaragua, Ecuador and other countries.

Rick Melendez, honorary consult to El Salvador and former Fountain Hills Town Councilman, thanked those present at the fundraiser for their contributions.

“The people of El Salvador are extremely grateful for everything you do,” he said.

“This also will benefit the residents of our Sister City, Ataco.”

The Bailies wanted to thank several Fountain Hills businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the fundraiser:

• Sister Cities Corporation, chaired by Sharon Morgan, donated several El Salvadoran original art works.
• Hang Ups donated free framing for the pieces.
• Daybreak Travel, Roxanne and Hank Boryczki, donated a weekend in San Francisco.
• Basket Creations by Lisa donated labor to create approximately 20 baskets of donated goods.
• Water’s Edge, huge dinner package, chef comes to your home.
• Fireside Grill, certificate for dinner.
• Fort McDowell Radisson, free weekend stay.
• Phil’s Place, gift certificate for dinner.
• Sami Fine Jewelry, necklace valued at $899.
• Jane Robinson, dinner at her home.
• Enrique Melendez, six bottles of Cuatros Copas organic tequila.
• Eagle Mountain, significant reduction on food, facilities and a golf package and lunch.
• Rachel Callan, personal trainer, free workout sessions at Champions.
• FireRock Country Club, golf package.