Queen foundation launches $30 million hospital campaign

[caption id="attachment_34641" align="alignleft" width="313" caption="Artist rendering of the acute care addition to Queen of the Valley hospital"][/caption]

NAPA -- Queen of the Valley Medical Center Foundation today said it is starting a $30 million fundraising campaign to support the completion of the hospital's Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Pavilion under construction, the development of the Peggy Herman Neuroscience Center and the growth of the foundation's endowment.

Private philanthropy is expected to provide 20 percent to 30 percent of the funds needed to complete the three-story, 72,000-square-foot acute care facility, which is expected to cost a total of $122 million, according to Elaine John, vice president for philanthropy at the hospital and chief executive officer of the foundation (www.queensfoundation.org).

The foundation said it has raised nearly $16 million to date, more than half the money needed to reach its goal. The 191-bed hospital, a level III trauma center owned by St. Joseph Health, will fund the remaining balance through debt and operating funds.

"Through their investment in this great hospital, lives are saved, people are healed and many important programs and services are made available to support the people of the Napa Valley and the surrounding region," Ms. John said.

Many of longtime donors have deep ties to the hospital, according to Greg Bennett, foundation chairman.

"Either they, a family member or loved one have received care at the hospital," he said. "They understand the importance of having quality health care close to home."

The new pavilion, set to open in fall 2013, will have six suites for operations, 16 pre- and post-operation bays, 20 private intensive care rooms and a clinical and pathology laboratory that can add space as needed.

Queen of the Valley said it will be among the first hospitals in California to receive the third-highest level of certification, or "gold," under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) rating system for “green” health care facilities. The medical center incorporates "evidence-based design," which is the process of basing decisions about the building environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients and operating efficiency for staff.

The pavilion also will contain what the hospital said is the region's first "hybrid" operating room -- an OR suite with the most advanced imaging capability available. The imaging system provides surgeons and radiologists with real-time imaging that will aid them during the most difficult of surgeries, including cancer, heart and brain procedures, according to the hospital.

To commemorate the campaign, the foundation also announced it would be unveiling a new "Hall of Honor" to recognize donors who have made cumulative gifts of $5,000 or more in support of the hospital. The original Hall of Honor was created in 1987 and features 1,230 names. This year, more than 75 donors have moved to higher categories on the wall for cumulative giving, according to the hospital.

Mrs. Walter Fogarty Jr. made the first pledge to the campaign with a $250,000 commitment. Mary Beth and Tim Herman have made a $5 million commitment, and the Tim Herman family donated a $1 million challenge gift to help raise $3 million for the startup of the Peggy Herman Neuroscience Center. Betty O’Shaughnessy and Paul Woolls have made a $1 million commitment to the campaign. Organizations and businesses that have contributed to the campaign include The Peter and Vernice Gasser Foundation, which has donated $1 million.

“Philanthropy is a key contributor enabling Queen of the Valley to dramatically expand and sustain the long-term excellence of the hospital and its programs,” said Walt Mickens, hospital president and chief executive officer.

Since its inception in 1969, the foundation has raised more than $60 million for Queen of the Valley Medical Center equipment and facilities.

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