December 26, 2007
Gifts of $4.2 Million to Auburn Memorial Hospital Enable HEAL II Construction Project to Move Forward in 2008
Six area foundations have invested in the future of Auburn Memorial Hospital by making major, two-year commitments toward matching the $4.4 Million Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY) Phase II grant awarded by New York State. A total of $4,200,000 has been committed for 2007 and 2008, as follows:
| Auburn Hospital System Foundation | $2,000,000 |
| The Allyn Foundation | $1,000,000 |
| The Fred L. Emerson Foundation | $800,000 |
| The Stanley W. Metcalf Foundation | $250,000 |
| The D.E. French Foundation | $100,000 |
| The Columbian Foundation | $50,000 |
“We are overwhelmed with this wonderful show of support from the philanthropic community,” stated Scott A. Berlucchi, AMH President/Chief Executive Officer. “It is heartening to know that the Hospital, and the community which depends on us for health care, can inspire this level of generosity. These significant strategic investments in Auburn Memorial Hospital guarantee that the Hospital will be here for the long-term. The HEAL II project funded by these grants will give our community a state-of-the-art facility which will enable us to attract and retain the highest quality physicians and provide our patients with excellent care.”
The HEAL II grant project includes:
- Reconfiguration and modernization of the Hospital’s core Memorial Wing – private rooms with patient and family amenities
- Two new and two expanded operating rooms outfitted with the latest in surgical technology
- Relocation of the Hospital’s psychiatric unit from offsite to a new, in-hospital unit
- Upgrade of heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system
Stephen L. Zabriskie, President of Auburn Hospital System Foundation (AHSF), stated, “The AHSF Board of Trustees, recognizing the imperative for an improved hospital facility, agreed to provide $2 Million toward the required match of the NYS funding. We put our money up to start the pool; then we approached our traditional partners in the community and invited them to join us in investing in the long-term future of the hospital. We’re pleased with the positive response and the active participation of the local foundations, and we look toward continued success.” He also noted that the same foundations supported the Hospital in 2006 by helping to underwrite the financial turnaround project.
John P. McLane, President of the Columbian Foundation, stated: “The $50,000 award from our Foundation is a reflection of our Board’s strong belief that the Hospital’s continued viability is absolutely critical to the overall physical and economic health of our community. The grant also constitutes recognition by our Board of the tremendous progress that we believe has been made by current management in restoring the Hospital to a sound financial footing and of our firm faith that continued improvement will be achieved.”
Daniel J. Fessenden, Executive Director of the Emerson Foundation, said: “The Fred L. Emerson Foundation is proud of our long-standing relationship with Auburn Memorial Hospital and we are committed to helping ensure the long-term success of AMH.”
Walter M. Lowe, Executive Director of the Stanley W. Metcalf Foundation, Inc. and the D.E. French Foundation, Inc., stated: “These grants are an acknowledgement by our Board of the tremendous progress made by current management in restoring the Hospital to a solid financial base and our sincere belief of continued progress.”
Robert K. Bergan, Chairman of the AMH Board of Trustees, stated: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our community foundations. The foundations have provided support to the Hospital for decades and it is with the deepest thanks that we accept their generous investment in our future success and stability.”