Newman Regional Health has two significant fundraisers now underway.
The annual slate of Denim and Diamonds activities is fully underway after the annual golf tournament last week, which raised over $21,000, and the kickoff barbecue lunch Thursday that raised another $6,200. The Denim and Diamonds gala will be Aug. 7, featuring auctions and live music from country musician Frankie Ballard. Proceeds help to upgrade surgical equipment in several disciplines.
Meanwhile, the hospital is starting an ambitious capital campaign. Building On will lead to major changes to facilities on the grounds, including a new patient tower above the emergency department, changes to the connector building and demolition of most of the original 1920 building. On KVOE’s On-Air Chat on Wednesday, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships Steven Bazan the campaign name, “Building On,” has several reference points — including the emergency department’s construction to handle a patient tower.
Bazan says Building On also refers to the need to keep current with patient care well into the future.
Chief Executive Officer Cathy Pimple said the over $50 million campaign will lead to greater efficiency and better operational flow, using the current patient tower and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system as examples.
Pimple says part of the upcoming work includes renovating the connector building and developing a shell space for perioperative services. It also includes moving into space to be vacated when Stormont Vail’s Cotton O’Neil Clinic moves to West 18th and Road G.
Board member Don Hill says this is a move with Newman Regional Health’s long-term future in mind.
Pimple also says it’s a move designed to strengthen the overall quality of life for residents of Emporia, Lyon County and neighboring counties.
Hospital administrators have said they could raise over $50 million through philanthropic donations, with the rest getting financed through bonds. Events and Donor Coordinator Jelinda Watts says there are a lot of conversations ahead with community members.
Newman Regional Health is in the process of developing its Building On leadership team before those community conversations begin in earnest.
Click here for information about Newman Regional Health’s strategic plan
Click here for KVOE News’ story from the Newman Regional Health Board of trustees April meeting
