ER Construction and Campaign Making Progress

Progress at the Job Site
Nearly one year into the construction phase of Munson Medical Center’s $30 million Emergency Room and expansion project, work is progressing on schedule toward a January 2007 completion date.

Crews worked during the summer to erect the steel frame. Complete enclosure of the new four-story structure is expected in March.

“I am pleased with the project to date,” said Jim Fegan, Munson Facilities Construction manager. “We continue to strive for methods to accelerate the schedule to beat the change of season. We expect to be ready to install pre-cast panels by the end of September. Construction is going very well considering the constraints of the site.”

Capital Campaign Heats Up For Final Push
As activity at the construction site progresses, so do the efforts to finish raising $10 million in charitable gifts for the project.

“We are at a key point in the campaign. We now need the final gifts to meet the $10 million goal,” said Jay Zrimec, President of the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation.

The campaign was launched in January 2004 and has been met with a high level of enthusiasm and community support. To date, more than $9 million has been raised.

“The final dollars in any campaign can be the most challenging to raise,” said Bill Anderson, who has served as campaign co-chair. “We are confident there are those in the community who will seize the opportunity to be the one who writes the check that puts us over the top.”

Centurion Drive Update: Employees Pitch In
Munson employees have shown great support for the project during the annual Centurion Drive. This year, 510 Munson employees pledged more than $80,000. Of that, more than $65,000 was directed to the ER, with the other $15,000 directed to the Hospice House. Overall, employees have raised more than $160,000 for the ER campaign.

“Munson employees are truly unique,” said Foundation Manager Ruth Bloomer. “We have asked for their help and they’ve responded. Munson employees have again demonstrated their commitment to serving this community, not only through their daily work, but also with their financial support.”

The first employee Centurion Drive was held in 1973. During the past 30 years, employees have donated $1.26 million in support of projects such as the Biederman Cancer Center, the Women’s Center, Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center, Munson Manor Hospitality House, the Hospice House, the Family Practice Fund, and Hospice Art Therapy.