Signature Donors Join the Medical Center Foundation for a Sneak Peek of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton

Published: Friday, March 27, 2015

Community is invited to a public Open House this Sunday, March 29

Those whose generosity made several key features of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton possible are now seeing their dreams in reality as the new 100-bed hospital nears its opening.  Donors who made signature gifts to NGMC Braselton gathered for the Grand Opening Preview and Signature Donor Recognition event hosted by The Medical Center Foundation at the new hospital Thursday night.

Governor Nathan deal planned to address the crowd, but he was unable to attend after his flight from Washington, D.C., was delayed.  The First Lady graciously assumed his place in the program.

“This (hospital) is near and dear to his heart, and he (Gov. Deal) was looking forward to being here,” said Sandra Deal.  “Because of the generosity of this community, Northeast Georgia Medical Center has made vital facility enhancements that reflect the spirit of the citizens of Braselton, Hoschton and the surrounding region.  The Governor and I want to personally express our gratitude to the businesses, civic organizations and individuals whose donations to The Medical Center Foundation helped to further improve the experience of patients and families alike.”

NGMC Braselton will officially open April 1, but the community is invited to its own public sneak peek during an Open House Celebration this Sunday, March 29, from 2 – 5 p.m.  The emergency room, patient rooms, operating rooms, imaging suite, catheterization labs and many other areas of the hospital will be open for guests to see the new facilities and learn about the services, technology and equipment.  Area first responders will also have ambulances, fire trucks and a helicopter on-site for a “Touch an Emergency Vehicle Zone.”  The hospital’s café – Café 1400 – will provide treats for guests, and free tree seedlings will be given to the first 1,000 attendees.

“When the community arrives, their experience will be enhanced by the wonderful features these signature donors made possible,” said Nancy Colston, president and chief development officer of The Medical Center Foundation.

The donor’s gifts help create an environment of hope, healing and wellness and that would not exist otherwise and include:

The Henry Edward Braselton Chapel

Made possible by a gift from the family of the late Henry Edward Braselton, who served as mayor of Braselton from 1988-2001, the interfaith chapel is prominently situated along the main corridor of the hospital’s ground floor.  It features Georgian stone, a tranquil water feature, craftsman bench seating, custom built kneelers made from 100 year-old reclaimed wood from an old Braselton family barn and a custom made cross.  In addition, five story-themed stained glass windows will be installed later this year.  The Braselton family’s gift provides a reverent destination of hope and healing for patients, their families, staff and the community.

Panoz Future Opportunity

Visionary community leaders and founding developers of Chateau Elan, Don and Nancy Panoz, honorary co-chairs of The Medical Center Foundation’s first fundraising campaign for NGMC Braselton, gave a generous signature gift to make possible a future naming opportunity that has yet to be identified.

The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Display

Made possible by Jackson EMC, the educational display explains NGMC Braselton’s journey to build a sustainable facility and lead by example as a responsible environmental steward.  The display is under construction near the hospital’s Education Center.

The Auxiliary Love Light Garden

Made possible by The Medical Center Auxiliary, the garden is situated on the west side of the NGMC Braselton campus and will connect to the busy outdoor dining plaza and features a beautiful 27-foot Deodar Cedar.  The tree will be lit with Love Lights – purchased by community members and given in honor of loved ones – each to benefit Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.  The lighting will coincide with the annual lighting of The Love Light Tree at NGMC Gainesville, a ceremony that began in 1981.

The Braselton Rotary Flag Plaza

Made possible by The Rotary Club of Braselton, the flag plaza is located near the main entrance of NGMC Braselton and adjacent to the attached Medical Plaza B.   The patriotic destination dons an expansive 37-foot stone wall, and specialty paving greets visitors as they arrive at the new hospital’s rotunda entrance.  The U.S., State and Health System flags fly atop three poles, saluting generations of service men and women who made great sacrifices to serve our country.

Family Consultation Rooms

Two signature donations ensures patient families have access to private, warm and comfortable environments when conferring with physicians and care teams.  Hamilton State Bank made possible a family consultation room on the first floor.  Parker, Hudson, Rainer and Dobbs, LLP, made possible a family consultation room on the second floor.

Treatment Room in the Emergency Department

Four donors who played a vital role in designing and building NGMC Braselton partnered to provide a signature gift to name a Treatment Room in the Emergency Department as a permanent symbol of their commitment to ensure healthcare excellence for generations to come:  HGA Architects and Engineers, LawlerWood, LLC, McGarity’s Business Products and Turner Construction.

“Tonight’s recognition is just the first of many ways philanthropy can make the difference between a good hospital and a great hospital,” said Jim Moore, chairman of The Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees.  “I am humbled that we were able to recognize eight very special signature gifts this evening and share more about each donor’s generosity.”

For more information about The Medical Center Foundation’s campaign to benefit NGMC Braselton, contact Ellen DeFoor, director of Development, at 770-219-8099.

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ABOUT NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER BRASELTON

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton is a new, 100-bed hospital set to open April 1, 2015.  NGMC Braselton will bring new medical services – modeled around the programs of excellence Northeast Georgia Health System built at its flagship hospital, NGMC Gainesville – to the Greater Braselton community.  These include advanced surgery and medical services, emergency services, heart and vascular services, orthopedics, cancer treatment and neurosciences.  Already open on the hospital campus are Medical Plaza B and Medical Plaza 1, which are home to more than 35 physician practices representing more than 25 medical specialties.  Learn more at www.nghs.com/braselton.