WILSON COUNTY HOSPITAL EXCEEDS $2.2 MILLION CAMPAIGN GOAL

Deanna Pittman, Wilson Medical Center administrator, announced that Wilson Medical Center had surpassed the goal of $2.2 million for the Committed to Quality Healthcare, Now and in the Future campaign, to support the new hospital facility and Medical Office Building. According to Campaign Co-Chair, Rochelle Chronister, "This milestone has been reached because people in our service area realize the value and need for a new hospital facility which will allow us to better deliver the healthcare services our consumers expect. We thank them for their generosity and support."

The numerous donations over the past few months have come in different amounts in the form of cash, pledges, stock and deferred gifts. "The donation received that put us over our goal came in the form of a "Planned Gift Confirmation", stated Foundation Director, Janice Reese. She goes on to say, "This gift is very fitting because the home that was deeded to us was a "Midwifes Hospital" in the Late 1940's and now plays a major part in our new hospital replacement facility."

"The support demonstrated by residents in Wilson County is impressive, and humbling. The response to our fundraising campaign and the unbelievable efforts by our campaign volunteers will bear fruit in the near and far future, especially with the construction of our new facility" said Deanna Pittman, hospital Administrator. Pittman continued, "More and more, people understand how important health care is for the betterment of our lives and our loved ones. This is a historical event, not only for our hospital but for the people who live in Wilson County."

The campaign Co-Chairs, Rochelle Chronister and Walt Olson have a deep commitment and belief in this project and feel that it has been a great example of community leaders working together. They attribute their success to several factors including an exciting and unique concept; a well structured and implemented capital campaign plan provided by Lorri Adams, Vice-President with Jackson and Associates, a generous gift given by the Trustees of the John C. "Bill" Reece Trust of $1 million presented at the community kick-off celebration and several businesses, like M-E-C, with their employee campaign and matching donation program, First Neodesha Bank and Cobalt Boats as well as our generous individuals in the community. "This campaign has been a pleasure and a journey I will never forget. The leaders throughout Wilson County have done so much for the hospital, their communities and their families. They are a dedicated group of volunteers who wholeheartedly delivered the message about our hospital, the challenges it faces and the need for an innovative, replacement facility. In addition, there was tremendous support and dedication from all of the employees, staff and volunteers of the hospital which was spear-headed by the Employee Development Council", said Jackson & Associates VP, Lorri Adams.
"We owe a great deal of thanks to the campaign committee volunteers as well as our many donors," said John Gutschenritter, CFO. "Now WMC can continue its work in a facility that is more comfortable for our patients and their families and more efficient for our employees and medical staff."
The hospital foundation continues to accept donations, gifts and pledges from anyone wanting to be included in our capital campaign. To donate please contact the Foundation Office at 620-325-2867.
Wilson Medical Center is planning a groundbreaking ceremony, Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at 3pm, south of 75/400 Highway Junction, entrance on Ottawa road (Old 75 highway). Senator Derek Schmidt will be our guest speaker. All of our donors and the public are invited to this historical event.