WEBSTER, Mass., December 24, 2013 — Webster residents and philanthropists Chris and Bev Robert, and Indian Ranch, the entertainment venue they own on Webster Lake, have donated $205,000 to Harrington HealthCare Systems campaign to raise $8.8 million to build a new Emergency Department at Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard in Webster.
The $205,000 donation is the second largest since Harrington launched the campaign, called Strengthening Our Future, in 2012.
“We would not be where we are in the campaign today were it not for Chris and Bev Robert and Indian Ranch,” said Edward H. Moore, President and CEO of Harrington HealthCare System. “They have given their time, they have been essential advisors to us, and they also have hosted successful fund-raising events for us at Indian Ranch. In addition, Chris and Bev Robert have solicited donations to the campaign on our behalf.”
The $205,000 donation brings the total raised in the campaign thus far to more than $6 million. It will be doubled, to $410,000, because of a $4 million matching grant from the Remillard Family Foundation, which is the largest donor to the campaign.
Chris Robert has served for 10 years on the Board of Hubbard Health Systems, which owns the land and buildings of the Webster campus. Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard is run by Harrington HealthCare System, which is conducting the fund-raising campaign to build the new Emergency Department.
“Every town deserves to have access to the type of quality healthcare offered by Harrington Hospital,” said Chris Robert. “We are happy that this donation will help Harrington Hospital reach the goal of building a new Emergency Department, which will continue to serve the needs of residents in the Greater Webster area.”
William DuPont, current Chair of the Hubbard Health Systems Board, said, “Chris Roberts commitment to healthcare in the region is unparalleled. When he was Chair of the Hubbard Health Systems Board, he was the captain of the ship that steered us through some tough times and was one of the architects who brought Harrington and Hubbard together. He has been a mentor to me.”
Chris Robert also has helped improve downtown Webster. He most recently acquired two dilapidated buildings, had them demolished and cleaned up the sites, including asbestos removal, and is now looking to work with a local developer to re-develop the sites. This area was the last condemned site on Main Street, finalizing the cleanup of downtown Webster.
In addition to the $205,000 from the Roberts and Indian Ranch, $37,841 in proceeds from Indian Ranch events have gone to the Strengthening Our Future campaign. And Chris and Bev Robert have solicited $99,050 in donations from individuals, organizations foundations. The amount from all three sources totals $341,891.
Harrington broke ground on the project on Oct. 8, 2013. The reconstruction of the Emergency Department is expected to be complete by the fall of 2014.
The Emergency Department at 340 Thompson Road in Webster handles more than 12,000 visits a year. But this vital health resource in the community has not seen a renovation or a significant overhaul since it was constructed in 1955. The rebuilding project will increase the number of beds from five to nine, increase the square footage from 3,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet, and allow Harrington to accommodate the increased patient traffic it expects in the years to come.
To make a charitable donation or to learn more about the campaign, please go to harringtonhos.wpengine.com/give
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