Premier Financial’s Wayne Caldwell Announces Surprise $10,000 Match During Gala  

Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation’s 2026 gala, Destination Humboldt: Starlight by the Sea, raised nearly $235,000 to support innovative specialty care and cutting-edge medical technology at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

The highlight of the evening came during the live auction paddle raise when Wayne Caldwell, CFP®, Founder of Premier Financial and Nautilus Society sponsor, surprised guests with a $10,000 matching gift in support of the Destination Humboldt initiative.

“Wayne’s generosity embodies the spirit of community that makes Humboldt County so special,” said Tracye Williams, chief philanthropy officer for Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation. “His surprise match energized the room and demonstrated the power of one person’s commitment to inspire others. We are deeply grateful to Wayne, Premier Financial, and every donor who is helping us bring world-class specialty care to the North Coast.”

Building on the successful physician recruitment efforts of the past year, Destination Humboldt is widening its scope to bring innovative specialty care and advanced technology to Humboldt County. Recent additions include early lung cancer detection with a pulmonary ion robot and expanded urology services with Aquablation therapy—capabilities that have never before existed in the region.

“This year has proven that rural health care doesn’t mean settling for less—it means reaching for excellence,” added Michael Keleman, chief executive officer for Providence in Humboldt County. “These aren’t just medical advancements; they’re life-changing innovations that allow our friends, family and neighbors to receive world-class care right here at home. The outpouring of support witnessed at this amazing event shows our community believes in that vision.”

Saturday’s gala brought together community members for an evening of coastal elegance featuring gourmet dining, live entertainment and a live auction. Proceeds will directly support Providence St. Joseph Hospital’s continued evolution as the premier destination for health care in the region.

We invite you to learn more about the impact of Destination Humboldt and view a video featuring patients and physicians who have benefited from the program.