Beebe Healthcare fundraising campaign meets original goal

Beebe Medical Foundation recently announced that the Sussex Supports Beebe Healthcare campaign has already reached its original goal of $22.5 million.

Tom Protack, president of the Beebe Medical Foundation, announced the success of the campaign at the Hyatt in Dewey Beach during the annual reception for the 1916 Club, which also was celebrating its 10th anniversary. 

Although Beebe Medical Foundation and the campaign’s existing donors are elated with the campaign’s swift and incredible success, donors continue to reach out with generous campaign gifts, Protack said.

“We are hearing from our donors that there’s more work to do,” Protack said. “So, I am announcing that we are raising the campaign goal to $30 million.” 

The comprehensive fundraising campaign launched in July 2021. The initial goals were to help Beebe Healthcare establish a new residency program for family medicine, purchase a mobile health clinic for community outreach, establish Beebe’s Center for Breast Health, upgrade a catheterization lab at the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, and initiate renovations at Tunnell Cancer Center.

“The R. Randall Rollins Center for Medical Education on our Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus is now open,” Protack said. “Its four physician residents are with us this evening. Beebe’s Center for Breast Health has also opened, and the system’s first Mobile Health Unit is now on the road. A cath lab at the Lewes campus has been funded, and the first phase of renovations at the Tunnell Cancer Center has been completed.” 

Ann Raskauskas, Sussex Supports Beebe Healthcare campaign chair, was thrilled that the campaign was going to increase its goal after such success.

“The campaign will now focus on supporting a new clinic in Long Neck for the medical residents of today and tomorrow, deploying a second Mobile Health Unit, upgrading a second cath lab at the Lewes campus, completing a fifth operating room for robotic surgery at the Specialty Surgical Hospital, and continuing renovations at the Tunnell Cancer Center,” she said.

Kay Young, Beebe Medical Foundation executive director of development, reminded donors that gifts to the campaign can be directed to any Beebe project or service line, or to sponsor pieces of art throughout the healthcare system.

“Without the power of philanthropy, Beebe Healthcare could not meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, Beebe Healthcare president and CEO. “Because of you, Beebe remains an independent, nonprofit community healthcare system caring for you and your loved ones. For more than 107 years, Beebe has been laser focused on the needs of Sussex County, and with your help, we are able to do that. Thank you!”

To learn more about the campaign or to donate, go to beebehealthcare.org/SSBH. Call Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 to speak to a foundation representative.