Jim Gilpin found a check for $12,800 waiting for him when he came to work.
“It was written by a supporter of the new Allen County Hospital who wanted to buy a bed,” he told Iola Rotarians Thursday. The hospital needs 22 new hospital beds and doesn’t have the money to buy them — yet. Gilpin is confident the money needed to equip the hospital will be raised in the Uniting for Excellence campaign which has been under way for about a year.
The goal is to raise $1,428,300 for equipment and technology needs and another $3,861,900 for other equipment — including $2 million for an electronic medical records system. More than $1,700,000 has been raised or pledged thus far, including one $500,000 anonymous donation.
Gilpin is chairman of the drive. His wife, Karen, is a member of the hospital board and has been actively involved with the fund-raising campaign as well.
Both spoke at Thursday’s meeting and urged those present to consider making a gift to the hospital and to recruit givers from among their families and friends.
There are “naming” opportunities galore. Not only can a donor be recognized as the provider of one of the high-tech beds, but, starting at the top: can name the hospital campus after beloved parents, such as The Bert and Betty Benevolenz Hospital, for a gift of $1 million; a lobby, surgical suite or the front entry canopy for $500,000 to $999,000; the dining area or any one of the hospital departments for $250,000 to $499,999.
Patient rooms can be named for gifts between $25,000 to $49,999 — and one room has already been spoken for.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Gilpin said. “The present hospital was built in the mid-50s. This one will be the primary regional hospital for at least that long into the future. Naming a room or a hospital department will memorialize you and your family for two generations into the future. Even more important, the gift will make a contribution to the health and well being of a countless number of your friends and neighbors,” he said.
Construction of the hospital at the north edge of Iola on Kentucky Street is well under way and is on track to be completed in the fall of 2013.
The Gilpins were introduced by Gordon Conger, program chairman.
Gifts come with recognition
