It’s one of the largest cash gifts for JoeAnna’s House, and it comes courtesy of 400+ auxiliary members and volunteers to the KGH Foundation. The hospital’s four volunteer-run businesses have announced a $1.5 million donation, which comes on the heels of the home’s opening later this year.
Fundraising began in October of 2017 where all sales from the KGH Foundation-operated businesses - The Perking Lot, Royal Bistro, Centennial Mercantile and Rutland Thrift Store - benefitted the build and opening of JoeAnna’s House, a short term accommodation facility for families of patients from out of town. Hundreds of volunteers donate their time so that 100% of the proceeds from every cup of coffee, bakery item, bistro entrée, thrifted find or gift for that special someone could be given back. It all added up to an astounding $1.5 million, helping to ensure that all families, regardless of their income, will have a safe place to stay when visiting KGH.
“What an accomplishment,” expresses Nancy Wells, Director of Business Enterprises at the KGH Foundation. “Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from university students to empty nesters to retirees – everyone has given the gift of time and we couldn’t do this without you!” To her fleet of 400+ volunteers, she simply states: “You should all be very proud.”
Wells oversees operations at the four volunteer venues, three of which are located within KGH and one in Rutland. But there will soon be another opportunity for those looking to give back of their time. JoeAnna’s House is scheduled to open before Christmas this year, and there will be a significant volunteer component.
“Every four-hour volunteer shift represents a position we don’t have to pay a wage for, which cuts our overhead and increases our fundraising potential. And for our money-making ventures in the hospital and Rutland, it just means more opportunities to fund equipment and patient-care innovations not currently covered through our taxes.”
In 2016, $1.9 million was gifted to the KGH Emergency department to fund the purchase of a new state-of-the-art CT Scanner. When asked what’s next, Wells simply smiles and says “stay tuned.”
For those looking to become involved with volunteering for the KGH Foundation, an informative webpage can be found on the Foundation site: https://www.kghfoundation.com/volunteer. Or simply give Nancy Wells a call: 250-862-4300 ext. 7497.