Last Tuesday was a day of past sorrow and future hope. Not only did it remind many of the tragedy that changed the world 11 years ago, it proved to be a day when violence seemed to captured headlines.
But it was also a day when a major step was taken to curb violence, or shall we say help recover from it. Under clear skies, more than 200 community and healthcare leaders gathered to break ground on the $108 million Charles A. Sammons Trauma and Critical Care Tower at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
Methodist Dallas Medical Center President Laura Irvine told the crowd, “As a trauma center and safety-net hospital, Methodist Dallas Medical Center is here to help people in their most critical moments of need. Most of the 60,000 patients who visit our emergency department every year and certainly the 1,500 trauma patients did not plan their visit. It is our mission to stand ready to care for them no matter how complex their injury or illness.”
When the 248,000-square-foot center opens in summer of 2014, the hospital’s facility will include:
- 58 new emergency room beds,
- six trauma suites,
- eight surgical suites,
- a 36-bed critical care unit, and
- the ability to expand to 11 stories for future growth.
But this project doesn’t just happen because it’s necessary. It only results from major fundraising efforts. This money-seeking campaign, known as BrightEr Campaign, is the “most ambitious in Methodist’s 85-year history. A $5 million lead gift was contributed by the Sammons Dallas Foundation.”
According to the Methodist Health System Foundation CEO/President April Box Chamberlain, “Methodist is fortunate to have families like the Sammons and the Hunts (Honorary Chairs Nancy and Ray Hunt) with a legacy of support for our mission – generation after generation,” said Chamberlain. “So as we look to the bright future of Methodist and the patients we serve, we also looked to the new generation of philanthropic and civic leaders to join and lead us in this campaign. Chris (Campaign Chair Chris Kleinert) and his committee epitomize the next generation of leaders in Dallas.”
In introducing Chris to the crowd, April referred to Chris as Dallas’ own Clark Kent. But when Chris stepped to the stage to deliver his remarks, he claimed he was not Superman – but a mere mortal as indicated by using old-fashioned notes rather than the teleprompter.
As if the day and groundbreaking weren’t getting things off to a great start, Chris reported that the following gifts were helping the group big time to their goal:
- a $1 million gift from The Robert S. Folsom Family,
- a $1 million gift from Pete and Pat Schenkel and
- more than $750,000 in honor of the late Norman Brinker
Following a video illustrating the impact of Methodist Dallas on the city, Chris added, “Our theme for this historic campaign is: BrightER — Saving lives, Serving Dallas. The first responders, physicians, caregivers, volunteers, and community leaders — each one of you here today make Dallas brighter. And together with Methodist Dallas Medical Center, we have the opportunity to make a lasting mark on our community and help create a city that is a safer, healthier, and better than any of us could ever dream.”
Then it was time for the shovels to dig into the dirt in front of a huge backdrop of the new facility. That’s when some of the ladies had issues. No, it wasn’t handling the shovels. These gals have experience in digging dirt when it comes to launching new construction. It was their heels. Let’s face it, Louboutins are great at luncheons, but maneuvering through sand and dirt is another issue entirely.
BTW, if you would like to know all those who are making this health care dream come true, follow the jump.
Photos provided by Methodist Health System
HONORARY CAMPAIGN CHAIRS
Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt
CAMPAIGN CHAIR
Chris Kleinert, President and CEO, Hunt Consolidated Investments, Inc.
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Allie Beth Allman, Allie Beth Allman and Associates
Rob Bertino, UBS Financial Services Inc.
Pete Chilian, J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC
Mary Cochran, Ernst & Young
James Collet, NLM Capital Partners
Bill Davis, Dexter & Company
Ossa Fisher, Bain & Company
Matt Hildreth, Amegy Bank of Texas
Zac Hirzel, Hirzel Capital Management
Rob Little, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, LLP
Colin McGrady, Cogent Partners
Dawn Moore, Allegiance Title Company
Traci Ford Owen, EF Properties
Pete Schenkel, Dean Foods
George Shafer, Shafer Investments
Natalie Jenkins Sorrell, City of Dallas
Jeff Staubach, Jones Lang LaSalle
W. Kelvin Walker, 21st Century Group, LLC
Susan Wells, The Wells Firm
Levi Davis, Chair, Methodist Health System
R. Stephen Folsom, Chair, Methodist Health System Foundation