Campaign Receives Three-to-One Matching Gift

“Make This House a Home" Donations Already Put in Action

Thanks to a very generous, anonymous Brookings, S.D. philanthropist, for every dollar donated to the “Make This House a Home” campaign, an additional three dollars will be given until the goal of $600,000 is reached.

“This is an incredible offer, allowing those who contribute to effectively quadruple their donation,” said Brookings Health System Foundation Development Officer Barb Anderson. “So far, over $462,000 has been raised in cash and pledges from a combination of individuals, families and businesses in the Brookings area. We just can’t give enough thanks.”

Anderson says Foundation campaign money is already being put to work at The Neighborhoods at Brookview. Stained glass windows will add the finishing touch to the new chapel. In addition, two local families have donated a baby grand piano and electric organ for the chapel.

According to Gregg TeBeest, Brookings Health System chaplain, having a dedicated chapel is integral in providing the residents greater opportunity to practice their faith both privately and publicly.

“Familiar religious symbols such as stained glass windows, piano and organ promote the spirit of worship and allow our residents and their families to express their faith and spirituality in ways that are meaningful to them,” TeBeest said. “Our residents are excited about the new chapel and so am I.”

Down the hall in the Town Center community room, a new movie projector will play movies for the enjoyment of the residents thanks to donations.

“Going to the movies, or watching a movie in the comfort of your own home is a favorite pastime for many,” said Amanda Uecker, Brookview Manor Activities Coordinator. “Nothing is better than the aroma and buttery goodness of fresh popped popcorn while watching an old time classic.”

Seven weeks remain to raise the final $138,000 by June 1. Anderson says items purchased with donations are over and above the building project budget.

“Once we make our goal, we hope to buy new beds for each resident and a system to pipe oxygen to each room to replace inconvenient oxygen tanks,” said Anderson. “We hope to have enough for landscaping and raised garden beds so the residents can spend more time out in their courtyards this summer.”

The new, pod-style facility will have three distinct neighborhoods. Each neighborhood will consist of two households that will accommodate 13 residents, a total of 26 residents per neighborhood. The neighborhoods and households will include kitchen and living spaces as well as private family dining rooms, spa areas and other amenities, enabling residents to live in a home-like atmosphere.

Donations can be made to the campaign online at www.brookingshealth.org/foundation or mailed to Brookings Health System Foundation, 300 Twenty-Second Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006.

About Brookings Health System Foundation

Brookings Health System Foundation works to cultivate philanthropic gifts to support charity health care for those less fortunate; health and wellness education; facility, equipment, and technology upgrades; and other needs as they arise at Brookings Health System. For more information about Brookings Health System Foundation or how you may contribute, please contact Foundation Officer Barb Anderson at (605) 696-8855 or foundation@brookingshealth.org.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed Brookview Manor nursing home, and Brookhaven Estates apartments. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock medical-nursing care for patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at www.brookingshealth.org.