Phoebe Foundation kicks off Public Phase of Capital Campaign
ALBANY, Ga. – A dramatic art installation now hangs in the 4-story atrium of Phoebe’s new Trauma & Critical Care tower. It’s more than a just welcoming sculpture or an interesting conversation-starter. It’s a testament to the goodwill of a community that has supported Phoebe since its founding 114 years ago.
“Phoebe was built on a foundation of philanthropy. Judge Francis Putney’s initial gift allowed the first Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – named after his mother – to be constructed. Ever since, generous donors have supported our community hospital and helped ensure we provide access to quality, advanced healthcare to anyone who needs it. We wanted to find a unique way to honor donors and say ‘thank you,’” said Parker Douglas, Phoebe Foundation Director.
The unique sculpture was designed by Rachel McFee, lead designer for Heurista, a national consulting firm that helps nonprofit organizations engage donors through industry-tested stewardship practices, meaningful storytelling and creative donor recognition solutions.
According to Heurista, “the spiral architecture alludes to the growing goodwill inherent in philanthropy, while the colors are inspired by the magical limestone blue holes found in southwest Georgia. Lead donors to the Trauma & Critical Care Tower campaign are recognized on this spectacular, one-of-a-kind sculpture.”
The Phoebe Foundation hopes to add more names to the piece as it opens the public phase of its capital campaign to support the Emergency & Trauma Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Surgical Intensive Care Unit that are housed in the Trauma & Critical Care Tower.
“We hope to raise $15 million, which is about 10% of the cost to build and equip the tower. We are excited that we reached our goal of half that amount during our initial ‘silent’ fundraising campaign during which we reached out to foundations, previous Phoebe supporters and lead donors. Now, we’re ready to offer anyone a chance to support our efforts to enhance healthcare for the people of Southwest Georgia,” Douglas said.
About two years ago, the Phoebe Foundation created a Campaign Steering Committee, chaired by Sonny and Judy Deriso, to begin and oversee fundraising efforts. The Derisos said, “Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital is a significant economic driver in Southwest Georgia, providing trauma and intensive care to much of our population. We love Albany and wanted to do something to help it in the future. We were honored to be able to support the capital campaign for the Trauma & Critical Care Tower, and we encourage others to provide their financial support for this vital healthcare leader in our community.”
“We are extraordinarily grateful to Sonny and Judy for their leadership and for all the members of our Steering Committee who have made this fundraising campaign so successful. Every dollar counts, and we are asking people throughout our region to follow their lead and consider making a donation to ensure Phoebe continues to provide expert emergency, trauma and critical care and continues to have an exceptional NICU that is one of just six perinatal centers in Georgia, caring for premature babies born in 22 counties,” Douglas said.
Members of the Campaign Steering Committee want to honor the memory of Vic Sullivan, a committee member, Albany advocate and longtime financial planner who died unexpectedly during the fundraising campaign.
“Vic loved this community and wanted to do what’s best for Albany and the people who call this area home. We were privileged to work alongside him on this campaign, and while we were devastated by his loss, we were pleased to honor his legacy by continuing our efforts to support exceptional healthcare in his memory,” Mr. Deriso said.
The second phase of the tower project is nearing completion. When the tower opened, the old emergency center was shut down and gutted. Reconstruction should be finished in the next couple of months, connecting that space to the new Emergency & Trauma Center to create one seamless center that will open early next year and double the size of the previous ER. Phase 2 also includes a new corridor on the second floor that will serve as the primary connector between the new tower and the main hospital.
Potential donors interested in naming opportunities for spaces or technology in the Trauma & Critical Care Tower should call the Phoebe Foundation at 229-312-4483. Anyone interested in making a general donation to the capital campaign can do so at www.supportphoebe.org.
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