St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea announces chairs for 33rd Annual Auction

by Bobby H. Maldonado

CHELSEA, Mich. (Jan. 26, 2018) – St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea (SJMC) announced that Chelsea residents Peter and Priscilla Flintoft will serve as chairs for its 33rd Annual Auction, Denim and Diamonds 2018, to be held on May 12, 2018 at 6 p.m. at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms in Dexter.

A native of Chelsea, Peter Flintoft opened his law practice in Chelsea in 1968 after receivinghis B.A. from Northwestern University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.  His professional duties have included various positions within the WashtenawCounty Bar Association, including as its president in 1982, and he has served as amember of the Michigan State Attorney Grievance Commission’s hearing panels for 20years.  He is currently a Trustee of St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.

Priscilla is a retired school teacher and has been involved as a volunteer in many capacities throughout the years in Chelsea, including with the Chelsea District Library Board.  Peter and Priscilla have five daughters and eight grandchildren.

Chelsea Hospital entrance

Proceeds from the 2018 Auction will benefit the transformation of the hospital’s Behavioral Health Services unit.  Planned renovations include a modern design and more efficient use of space while adding to the comfort and care of patients.

“Behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction and other emotional factors, impact families from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Peter.  “The annual Denim and Diamonds auction raises much needed funds so that together, we can best support healing within our community.  Funds raised will benefit our family members, friends and neighbors, some of whom may one day seek treatment for a behavioral health illness.”

SJMC has provided comprehensive Behavioral Health Services to the community for more than 40 years.  The hospital skillfully treats and helps patients manage diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, addiction and thought disorders such as schizophrenia.

To meet our community’s need for specialized behavioral health services, St. Joe’s Chelsea offers a full spectrum of care including a 30-bed adult psychiatric unit.  The hospital is distinguished for being the only hospital in Michigan with both a secured unit and an open unit on its Behavioral Health Services unit.  The renovated space is the next step in capital improvements being made throughout the hospital campus, which has also included a new Atrium and inpatient facilities, and a new Cancer Center.

For more information on supporting the Auction, please contact Judy Stratman, director of Development at SJMC, at 734-593-5373 or visit the website at www.stjoeschelsea.org.