Over $620,000 Donated to Make This House a Home

Largest Fundraiser in History of Organization

Brookings Health System Foundation announced a total of $620,225 in gifts and pledges were raised as a result of the “Make this House a Home” campaign. The total, exceeding the goal of $600,000, was revealed during the open house ceremony held May 31 at The Neighborhoods at Brookview, the new skilled nursing facility on Yorkshire Drive.

Those giving at the Lead Gift Level of $250,000 or more are Pat and Dale Larson. Donors within the Pathfinder Level of $25,000 or more are Harvey and Midge Mills, First Bank and Trust, Dacotah Bank and Daktronics.

Funds have been used to purchase items for The Neighborhoods at Brookview which are over and above the building project, such as new beds and mattresses with the latest compression technology for each resident, lift chairs for the transitional care unit, supplies for six new household kitchens, and much more. Residents will start enjoying these amenities as soon as they move into their new home beginning June 4.

“We reached out to hundreds of people in the Brookings area during the campaign,” said Foundation Development Office Barb Anderson. “Individuals and businesses alike explained to us how they value having a health system in our community for skilled nursing elder care, for inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital care.”

The campaign garnered the largest dollar amount raised in the three year history of the Foundation, which was established in December 2009. A permanent display in the new Town Center acknowledges distinguished donors.

Anderson points out that Brookings Health System is non-profit, self-supported and provides services to people living and working in the 50 to 60 mile radius of Brookings. With over 430 employees in Brookings, White and Arlington, the health system is an integral part of the quality of life and economic system for the Brookings area.

“The purpose of the Foundation is to support Brookings Health System in its mission to Inspire Health,” said Anderson. “Both the Brookings Area Chamber and City Council passed resolutions backing our campaign. We thank everyone for this strong show of support, confirmation that the people of our community believe a quality, local health system is a priority.”

Two of three phases for Brookings Health System’s Master Campus Plan are now complete. The remodeled emergency department and lab opened in April 2011. Phase two, The Neighborhoods at Brookview skilled nursing facility, is now open. The next step will be renovations to update inpatient and outpatient services at the hospital in 2014-15 based upon a recent evaluation of community needs. In the meantime, a portion of the former Brookview Manor will be repurposed to establish an outreach specialty clinic in 2013.

Donations can be made to the foundation 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.