The luncheon raised over $275,000 (Courtesy: Catalyst Presents)
The International Community Health Services Foundation raised more than $275,000 for its Uncompensated Care Fund at its annual Health Care for All Benefit and Lunar New Year Luncheon on Feb. 26, setting a record for both attendance and funds raised.
385 people attended the ICHS Benefit Luncheon on Feb. 26, 2026 in Seattle (Courtesy: Catalyst Presents)
The event drew 385 guests and generated about half of the foundation’s annual goal for the fund, which helps cover medical care and lifesaving medications for patients unable to pay.
The nonprofit health provider, a federally qualified health center, serves about 36,000 patients each year and does not turn people away based on their ability to pay.
In 2026, the foundation projects a 15% increase in demand for uncompensated care services due to rising costs.
From left: Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, ICHS CEO Kelli Nomura, and King Co. Council Member Teresa Mosqueda at the ICHS Benefit Luncheon on Feb. 26, 2026 in Seattle. (Courtesy: Catalyst Presents)
“At ICHS, we do not turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay,” CEO Kelli Nomura said during the event. “We believe health care is a human right, and being able to access care is fundamental to the dignity of each person.”
ICHS, rooted in Seattle’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community, provides linguistically and culturally competent care in 90 languages across 11 clinic locations, including sites in Auburn, Bellevue, Holly Park, Shoreline and its flagship clinic in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. The organization also operates mobile medical and dental clinics.
Nomura said patients access the Uncompensated Care Fund in different ways, from small prescription assistance to ongoing treatment for complex conditions.
“This year, many of our patients will not be able to pay for all or some of their care,” Nomura said. “We’re here to make sure they don’t have to choose between groceries and medicine.”
Leave a Reply