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SVH marks halfway point on new wing

New cabinet launched for capital campaign to equip ER

Sonoma Valley Hospital celebrated the halfway mark on construction of its new wing with an appreciation party for donors and hospital supporters on Wednesday evening.

“The heavy lifting is done,” said Kelly Mather, chef executive officer of the hospital. “We are halfway there, we will be open in November… I just can’t tell you all the plans we have because of you.”

The new wing, being constructed in the west parking lot of the hospital, will house an expanded emergency department on the ground floor, with a modernized surgical center on the second floor. The bulk of the funding – more than $30 million – came from a general obligation bond approved by the voters of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District. But, because the bond funds only covered construction and not equipment, an additional $11 million was required to complete the new medical complex. Last fall the hospital launched last year with leaders Marcia and Gary Nelson and Darius Anderson (a principal owner in Sonoma Media Investments, which owns the Index-Tribune). So far, the campaign has raised nearly $6 million, with another $4 million promised via a $2 million matching grant posed by Les and Judy Vadasz.

On Wednesday, Gary Nelson introduced a new campaign cabinet for emergency care, which he will chair with his wife, Marcia. The cabinet was formed specifically to bring in donors to contribute to the Vadasz’ challenge grant. To be led by Simon Blattner and David Good, the cabinet also includes Joe Aaron, Bill Brinton, Gerry Brinton, Karen Collins, Tom Culligan, Randy Derwingson, John Gurney, James Hahn, Bill Lynch, Manuel Merjil, Valerie Pistole, Rose Mary Schmidt and Paul Rozanski.

“Our goal is to not just meet the $2 million challenge, but to exceed it. So far, the support from our friends and neighbors has been outstanding,” Blattner said.

An advisory council comprised of Mike Benziger, Bill Blum, Josh Rymer, Diana Tolpegin and Jennifer Yankovich, will assist the cabinet in their quest for donations.

“I feel fortunate that we have a group of individuals that can reach many different demographics in Sonoma,” Good added. “With this campaign cabinet and advisory council, I am confident we will be successful in reaching not only the $2 million challenge grant, but also the $11 million campaign goal.”

For more information or to contribute, contact Sonoma Valley Hospital Executive Director Harmony Plenty at 935-5070.