The Medical Center Foundation recently thanked its donors and volunteers by celebrating the accomplishments of its inaugural fundraising campaign to benefit Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton during a New Orleans style, jazz-themed gathering at the Braselton Event Center on the evening of August 23.
“The inaugural campaign is a shining example of how amazing things happen when people come together for the greater good,” said Chris Bray, president & chief development officer of The Medical Center Foundation. “Our family of donors and volunteers are truly making a difference in the lives of others. Their donations and gifts of time strengthen the health care of the community.”
The campaign cabinet, led by chair Tony Funari, surpassed a goal of $4 million by raising more than $4.8 million to fulfill the community’s vision of their hospital not only being a healthcare destination, but also one of hope, healing and wellness. “The campus would look and feel very different were it not for the many beautiful healing spaces philanthropy has provided,” commented Anthony Williamson, president of NGMC Braselton. “I am very grateful for all of the donors who have given to make this campus unique and special for our patients, visitors and staff.”
The Medical Center Foundation received 15 signature gifts (greater than $100,000) to the campaign which helped create:
- The Henry Edward Braselton Chapel, given in memory by the Braselton family
- Jack and Janice Frost Water Garden, contributed by Jack and Janice Frost and Memorial Park Funeral Homes
- Two family consultation rooms, funded by Hamilton State Bank and Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs, LLP
- A Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) display and two car charging stations provided by Jackson Electrical Membership Corporation
- Three emergency department treatment rooms made possible by the Billy R. Jones Foundation, Inc.; Paul & Glenna Maney and a group of contractors, subcontractors and vendors who helped build NGMC Braselton: HGA Architects and Engineers; Lawler-Wood, LLC; McGarity’s Business Products; and Turner Construction.
- Auxilary Love Light Garden, donated by the Medical Center Auxiliary
- The Braselton Rotary Flag Plaza, funded by the Rotary Club of Braselton
- W.A.T.C.H. (We Are Targeting Community Healthcare) Walkway funded by NGHS employee donations.
Most recently, the Smoot Courtyard Waterfall, scheduled for completion later this year, is made possible through a gift from Chris and Jane B. Smoot. In addition, signature gifts were also made by Don and Nancy Panoz, Ed and Lynn Price, and Gordon and Julie Telford.
Campaign donations also help meet critical clinical needs due to rapid growth of the hospital which include equipment and training for the neonatal intensive care unit; as well as training and enhancements for cardiac rehabilitation. Philanthropy will also help provide a new heart catheterization lab – which is needed due to a higher-than-anticipated demand for services since NGMC Braselton began offering interventional cardiac procedures earlier this year. Support from the community will also fund a Veran Lung System, which detects and treats lung cancer in its earliest stages and can increase the number of lives saved through early detection.
“The personal investment members of the community made to support their hospital has been incredible. I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve on the Campaign Cabinet along with a phenomenal group of volunteer community leaders who helped educate others about the hospital’s role as a community resource and the important role philanthropy plays in providing outstanding healthcare,” said Tony Funari, campaign cabinet chair. “I am so appreciative of the campaign cabinet and their hard work which resulted in such a successful inaugural campaign.” In addition to Funari, cabinet members included honorary co-chairs Don and Nancy Panoz, as well as Andrea DeCook, Terry Evans, Cindy Green, Hardy Johnson, Caryn McGarity, Garol Orr, Rhonda Stites and Carl Williams.
Thirty-five charter members made leadership commitments of $25,000 and greater leading the way for philanthropy and volunteerism in this inaugural campaign to ensure healthcare excellence for generations to come. Charter members are permanently recognized on what will now become a historical plaque in the Foundation’s Hall of Honor, located in the front lobby at the main entrance of NGMC Braselton.
To learn more The Medical Center Foundation, please call 770-219-8099 or visit www.TheMedicalCenterFoundation.org.
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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER
Since 1951, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has been on a mission of improving the health of our community in all we do. With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton and Barrow – the three NGMC campuses have a total of 713 beds and more than 800 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. NGMC is part of Northeast Georgia Health System, a non-profit that cares for more than 1 million people across more than 18 counties. Learn more at www.nghs.com.