DOWAGIAC — Local officials and community members gathered together to raise a glass in support of Ascension Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital this weekend.

The Ascension Borgess Lee Foundation hosted its eighth annual wine and beer tasting fundraiser Saturday evening in Dowagiac. The event, which was attended by hospital supporters and community leaders, hosted several local wineries and breweries including: Round Barn, Tabor Hill, Lake Michigan Vintners, Cody Kresta, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Contessa Wineries, Sister Lakes Brewing Company, Round Barn Brewery, Silver Harbor Brewing Company, Saugatuck Brewing Company, Perrin Brewing Company and Virtue Cider.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support upgrades and equipment to the hospital’s surgical suite. With the event sold out, foundation officials said they hoped to raise more than last year’s $30,000 total. Complete fundraising numbers will not be calculated until later this week.

“We are so excited to see everyone here. This is going to tremendously help the hospital,” said foundation president Jeremy Truitt. (Leader photos/SARAH CULTON)