Circle of Caring Campaign for Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care
Vernon Memorial Healthcare publicly announced July 20, 2011 that its Center for Hospice Care will be named The Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care. The announcement came at a brief ceremony at the future site of the center at 705 Arena Drive on the northeast side of Viroqua.
The name is significant in that it is named after two local gentlemen who made significant contributions to their communities and to VMH. The Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care honors the late P.T. Bland, M.D. and the late Eugene "Bud" Bekkedal. Both individuals had served on the VMH Hospice Advisory Board and played a part in making the dream of a Center for Hospice Care a reality.
In making the announcement, Vernon Memorial Healthcare Board Vice-Chair, Ron Moilien, pointed out that Bland served as a staff physician at VMH for 57 years and served as Medical Director of the VMH Home Health and Hospice Program. Bekkedal served on the Vernon Memorial Healthcare Board for 23 years. He was one of several individuals instrumental in forming the VMH Foundation in 1984.
VMH Chief Executive Officer Garith Steiner, said, " The Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care will be an identifying image of the mission and philosophy of care provided by Vernon Memorial Hospice and Vernon Memorial Healthcare."
A capital campaign is currently underway to raise $1.3 million for the project. The campaign also includes an endowment fund to provide operational sustainability to ensure that the Center for Hospice Care remains fiscally sound. Cash gifts may be pledged over a 3 to 5 year period through the VMH Foundation. Donor recognition and naming opportunities will be available to recognize particular acts of generosity.
If you would like to make a donation to the Circle of Caring Campaign please click here.
