Posted on June 21, 1016
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital capital campaign exceeds goal
Grand Rapids, Mich. — Mary Free Bed’s “Join the Movement” capital campaign, the largest in the hospital’s 125-year history, has exceeded its $16 million goal by nearly $1 million. The campaign supports the $66.4 million expansion and renovation project that includes the West Building, making Mary Free Bed the fifth-largest freestanding rehabilitation hospital in the United States. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 500 donors, the hospital will continue to be a leader in rehabilitative technology and advancements that will help more children and adults achieve better outcomes.
“While I’m not surprised at the outpouring of support for Mary Free Bed, I continue to be amazed at the number of lives this incredible organization has touched,” said Kate Pew Wolters, co-chair of the campaign along with Arend (Don) Lubbers. “For me, it’s a matter of paying it forward to an organization that has given me – and continues to give me – my independence.”
Campaign contributors have been able to see the impact of their gifts on patients from West Michigan and across the country through the transformative project, kicked off by a $16 million lead gift from the Mary Free Bed Guild. The campaign has been overseen by the Mary Free Bed Foundation, a charitable organization that secures resources to support the hospital’s mission through capital, expansion and program improvements.
“The generosity of our donors is extraordinary and humbling,” said Kent Riddle, CEO of Mary Free Bed. “Patients and their families are already experiencing better futures because of the incredible support for this project.”
Mary Free Bed marked the first anniversary in March of the West Building’s opening, and renovation of the existing main building is on target. Plans call for an early October grand re-opening of the first floor, which will serve as the main entrance and registration area for the entire campus. The bright and inspirational lobby area will feature large suspended glass art sculptures, fountains and a Community Donor Wall recognizing the generosity of donors to the “Join the Movement” campaign.
When renovations to the main building are complete, work will begin on the adjacent Professional Building, which will house a conference center and hospital administration offices.
Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit, nationally accredited, rehabilitation hospital. For 125 years, Mary Free Bed has restored hope and freedom through rehabilitation for children and adults who have experienced brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple traumas, amputations, cancer and other diagnoses. The combination of comprehensive services and an exclusive focus on rehabilitation enables specialty physicians and staff to help patients achieve outstanding clinical results. For additional information, visit maryfreebed.com.
