|
The most significant story of 2008, a tribute to the residents of our community
This is a wonderful story and could be the theme of a Hollywood Movie because it just sort-of happened. It wasn't planned. No fancy brochures. No kick off event. No rally.
Early in 2008, the dedicated physicians of Elbert Memorial Hospital and the Medical Center approached the interim Administrator of the Hospital, Richard McConahy and discussed the need to renovate the patient rooms in the Hospital. It was important to them that their patients recuperate in rooms that were more up-to-date.
Mr. McConahy and Nancy Seymour, with the approval of the Hospital Authority, brought the "Renovate a Room" idea to a meeting of Elbert Memorial Hospital Foundation. At that meeting, Nancy had received a letter and a contribution of $10,000 from the Arnall Patz family in memory of Sarah and Samuel Patz and Florette and Louis Patz.
It was estimated at that time that the cost to renovate a room would be $5,000, using donated materials and in-house carpenters, etc.
When the $10,000 gift from the Patz Family was announced it was moved and seconded that this gift start the renovate the room program.
This was the beginning of a $125,000 campaign to renovate 25 patient rooms. No kick off. No Fancy brochure. No Rally. Just the commitment of residents of Elberton and Elbert County who believe in their hospital and wanted the best for their patients.
That evening a Board Member, Suraiya Razzak said quietly to Nancy Seymour and Randy Kohl that she wished to renovate room 126 in memory of Abdul Jalil.
As the news spread by word of mouth, on our local radio station and in the Elberton Star, several families indicated their desire to support a room. The Prime Time Adults, of Eliam United Methodist Church invited Nancy to a meeting and said that they, the children and adults would conduct a campaign to raise $5,000 for a room.
In several weeks, the Foundation had received additional commitments from seven donors wishing to sponsor a room.
And than we received some bad news. Hospital architects, donating their services, told us that in order to meet Hospital Health Care Standards, and considering ever-rising costs, it would require $10,000 to renovate a room.
The Board of Directors was faced with a dilemma and wrote to those who had contributed and asked them if they were willing to share the naming of a room. They were also told that if they wished their contribution returned - it would be returned.
Not one asked for their contribution back.
The Foundation Board of Directors at the summer meeting decided that the proceeds from the Foundation's Gala would be used for the renovate the room program. The Gala invitation offered the opportunity to Renovate a Room at $10,000, renovate a half room at $5,000 or share in the renovation of a room for gifts of $2,500, $1,000, $500, or $250.
This program, without a plan, with no kickoff, no brochure and no rally has so far accomplished the following.
Five rooms with contributions of $10,000. The Arnall Patz Family, (in memory of Sara and Samuel Patz and Florette and Louis Patz). Clyde & Jean Adams, (in memory of Georgia Medora Adams). Frank Coggins Jr. (in memory of Anne Coggins DeBorde, room 121). Roy and Marian Gunnells, room 108. Jack and Patricia McConnell and Family. The Medical Center, Drs. J. Daniel McAvoy, Glenn Poon, David Mize, Mark Daniel and Jonathon Poon. Nine donors sharing a room with contributions of $5,000. Barbara and Curtis Bell. Walter and Mary Jean Eaves. Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Elbert Memorial Hospital Department Managers and Staff. Elberton Granite Association. Mary and Neal McLanahan and Family. Pari and Mo Mehrabi in honor of their parents, Eliam United Methodist Church. Suraiya Razzak in memory of Abdul Jalil, Room 126.
And donors sharing room renovations, including nine at the $500 level, 17 $250 donors and 11 donors who gave $100 or more.
A significant story, $105,350 raised so far. No Plan, no kick off, no brochure, no rally. A request from our Physicians, the support of the Hospital Authority, the leadership of the Foundation Board of Directors and our community's belief in their hospital.
The story continues. This past week the Hospital's new Administrator Tom Brown and Nancy Seymour attended a meeting at Eliam United Methodist Church. As Tom received the gift of $5,000 he commented, "never in all my years as a Hospital Administrator have I received such a generous gift from a Church." And recently at a Christmas celebration for the Hospital's Volunteer Boards, Authority Chair Tom Robinson presented a check for $10,000 from the Petersburg Towers.
And finally, as we near the end of 2008, the Foundation Board of Directors decided that any end of the year donations, unless otherwise designated by the donor, would be used for the renovate the room program. Yes, you are invited to participate.
In the midst of all the negative things that we are exposed too, the residents of Elberton and Elbert County have committed to renovate over ten rooms (with the Petersburg contribution - 11 rooms) at their hospital, donating over $110,000.
For us who live here - this has to be the "Most significant story of 2008."
Congratulations and thanks Elbertonians!
Foundation Board Member, Randy Kohl
(This letter was first published in The Elberton Star on Dec. 17.)
Post Script: As of Dec. 30, a total of $145,000 has been paid or pledged since May 2008 for 14 1/2 rooms, with 10 1/2 rooms to go. Brady Builders Inc. is to begin construction on the first six rooms on Jan. 5. Thank you again to all Renovate a Room donors. The year 2008 has been a WOW! year for Elbert Memorial Hospital Foundation.
 |
