Northside Convalescent Hospital’s fundraising goal of $250,000
was exceeded Thursday by a gift from the Hazel Hawkins Hospital
Auxiliary.
Northside Convalescent Hospital’s fundraising goal of $250,000 was exceeded Thursday by a gift from the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary, it was announced at Donor Recognition Night that evening.
Caring for Our Community committtee chairperson Barbara Nicoara told about 80 donors at the William and Inez Mabe Skilled Nursing Center that the Auxiliary had made “an extremely generous donation” that brought the total to $256,000. She pointed out that the Auxiliary also had made the initial donation to launch the fund drive.
Mark T. Robinson, Hazel Hawkins Hospital District’s chief financial officer, said bids will soon be solicited for needed interior renovation, plumbing and roof work.
“It’s possible that work can be started this spring and be completed in the fall,” he said.
The district is matching the $250,000 goal to bring the fund to more than a half-million dollars. As of Feb. 3, Caring for Our Community had raised $222,000.
The campaign began shortly after Sunbridge Skilled Nursing Center residents were transferred to facilities in other counties a year ago because the facility was not showing a profit. Its closure meant that only 55 beds were available for those who required continuing skilled nursing care in the county. However, the hospital district stepped in, acquired the old facility and renamed it Northside.
Michele Stephenson, new chairman of the hospital foundation, said Nicoara was “our biggest star” in the drive.
“I was only part of it,” Nicoara replied. “There are so many people who spent time and energy in soliciting donations.”
She had said earlier that the renovated facility could also become the site of a hospice or an Alzheimer’s treatment center, and pointed out then that every dollar donated “will go to Northside, and not into a general hospital fund.”
