Thanksgiving Appeal

Dear Patrons:

With the coming of the Holiday Season, we would like to express our thanks for your generous support of the Pender Community Health Care Foundation. Last year's Appeal generated over $9,000 for the benefit of the people we serve. Our Health Care facilities and services continue to improve each year.

Last year we received $2,035 for the Pender Care Centre Whirlpool/Van, $3,305 designated for the Hospital Handrails/Wallpaper project, $1,125 for the Merlin Brondum Memorial Scholarship Fund and $25 for Clinic Landscaping. We also received $2,850 that was not specifically designated.

We ask for your support again this year! There are several options we would like you to consider.

The Merlin Brondum Memorial Scholarship Fund. Merlin Brondum passed away on March 15, 2003 after a brief illness at the age of 49. Merlin worked at the Pender Community Hospital for 27 years, most of which were as Director of Laboratory. The Pender Community Hospital, Pender Community Health Care Foundation, Pender Mercy Medical Clinic and Mercy Medical Center established a Scholarship in his memory. The $2500 Scholarship is awarded each year to a resident of the Hospital District who is enrolled in an Allied Health Program and has completed 30 hours of college credit. The first recipient was Melissa Lake of Thurston. She is enrolled at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing.
Assisted Living. The Pender Care Centre has four Assisted Living beds. The District need is much greater and we are working with our architect, Prochaska and Associates to expand our assisted living services. The Foundation has designated $40,000 for expanded Assisted Living services at the Care Centre.
Hospital. The new handrails and wallpaper have improved patient safety, comfort and appearance. We believe that a new ceiling, lighting and flooring would finish the hallway project. We also need recliners and visitor chairs for our guests.

We believe that your contributions to the Pender Community Health Care Foundation provide you with a great return on your investment. Well-furnished, attractive facilities will improve patient comfort, attract physicians to our medical staff, expand access to health services to our rural area and enhance the financial viability of the area. You can help with your generous support to keep Health Care strong in our rural area.

Sincerely,
Pender Community Health Care Foundation