Representatives from Commonwealth Health Corp., its philanthropic division Commonwealth Health Foundation and The Medical Center broke ground on its “home away from home” for the families of seriously ill patients at The Medical Center and Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital.
“Hospitality House will be a home away from home where families can eat, sleep and recharge and still be near their loved ones. Three months ago we started a capital campaign,” said Doris Thomas, marketing and development vice president for Commonwealth Health Corp. “Our dream is becoming a reality. We’re looking forward in eight months to celebrating a ribbon cutting. We’re very fortunate to live in a community that is supportive to the people in need around us. We’re grateful for the continued support.”
Designed by Stengel-Hill Architecture and built by Scott, Murphy & Daniel, the 13,564-square-foot Hospitality House will be located on The Medical Center campus at High Street and Fifth Avenue. The building will include 12 private guest rooms and baths, a kitchen and dining room to accommodate multiple families, a prayer room, a community room with comfortable furnishings and a business center with computers and Internet access. There will be no charge to stay there, but guests who are able to make a donation for each night they stay will be encouraged to do so.
“The project is a wonderful thing,” said Mike Murphy of Scott, Murphy and Daniel, who is chairman of the capital campaign committee.
So far, CHF has raised $2.1 million in pledges and donations for the “Extending Home” public capital campaign, which will help build, furnish and staff Hospitality House. Nearly $1 million more is needed to establish an endowment to ensure ongoing operation.
“We’re flying on the wings of faith. We haven’t raised the (total amount) of money to do it, but we taking advantage of the good pricing in the construction industry,” he said. “We need to get to the $3 million mark, but we don’t need to stop there. We need to keep going. When everyone pitches in, it makes for light work.”
Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon said having The Medical Center here has been good for the community, and CHC really cares about the needs of the patients and their families.
“The Medical Center has become a real medical hub for southcentral Kentucky. It’s important for economic development and quality of life,” he said. “People are getting quality care right here. We have some of the finest physicians in the United States.”
— For more information, call the Commonwealth Health Foundation at 796-5543 or visit www.hospitalityhousebg.org
