The Holton Community Hospital and the Holton Community Hospital Foundation made a big showing at the Fair Parade last week as they announced how close they are to one of their goals with the Embrace the Future Capital Campaign.
Two large pieces of construction equipment and many of the staff barreled around the square holding signs showing a large thermometer and a rendering of what the project will look like. "As of today we are less than $40,000 away from hitting the challenge grant goal,' said Pam Holaday, Holton Community Hospital Foundation Director. "We are excited to see who makes that pledge or contribution that takes us to the top!" The project announced the award of a J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Matching Grant earlier this year. When the Capital Campaign reaches pledges and contributions of $1,600,000 and ground is broken the Mabee Foundation will award an additional $400,000 to take the campaign to it's $2,000,000 overall goal.
HCH Embrace the Future Campaign Thermometer shows just a sliver left to get to the $1,600,000 challenge grant goal.
HCH was also excited to announce that they have reached the $1,000,000 threshold of cash in the bank needed for the requirements by the USDA for moving forward with the project. "This is quite a feat! When we started this project we had faith that the community would support us but trying to get that much cash in the first year of a multi-year campaign can be difficult," said Ari Hunniford, Campaign Manager. "We can't possibly thank our supporters and volunteers enough. They made this happen!"
The project itself is still working through the process of finalizing plans. The Hospital Board is reviewing and clarifying the bids that were recently read publically and once a decision is made on the most appropriate choice then it will be passed to the USDA for approval. While in this process there is also work being done to procure the interim financing which is a part of the USDA loan requirements. "There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes. This process is complicated but we are working our way through it," said Carrie Saia, Holton Community Hospital CEO. "Our goal is still to break ground this late summer or early fall but there are a lot of moving parts still. We'll keep you posted."
You can keep yourself updated or make a pledge or donation to the campaign by visiting www.hchfoundation.net or calling 785-364-9660.
HCH Staff and Volunteers came out for the Fair Parade and to celebrate how far they’ve come.