Ivinson Foundation Begins Public Campaign for Guest House

Back in the beginning of November, we reported that the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation had begun construction on a brand new guest house at the corner of 26th Street and Sheridan. In a few short months the house has come a long way not only with respect to construction, but also funding.

The foundation has raised $976,603 to date through their silent campaign, asking private donors and businesses to contribute to the cause. The house comes at a total cost of 1.3 million dollars, which puts them 71% of the way towards meeting their goal. Carol Dozier, CEO of Ivinson Memorial Hospital said:

We are truely grateful to those in the community who have provided the financial support to make the dream of providing the guest house a reality.

Soon the families of patients being cared for at the hospital will enjoy a warm and inviting place where they can rest and recharge between visits to their loved one.

When the house is completed, which is expected to be in the month of May, it will help to provide six private guest rooms and accommodate families at a minimal rate of only $45 a night. Sandy Knapton, who runs the hospital's Cancer Center, noted that they specifically have a huge need for the house as their patients usually have extended stays at Ivinson Hospital. She was very grateful that the guest house is becoming a reality,because it will give families of cancer patients an affordable place to stay in Laramie. Over 25% of the hospital's patients come from out of town, which shows that there is a very real need.

Yesterday afternoon the Ivinson Foundation's president, Guy Warpness, officially kicked off their campaign to publicly raise the remaining funds needed to complete the guest house. The Foundation hopes to raise the reaming funds over the next few months and is asking the public to help them reach their goal. Providing this service to families is above and beyond what the hospital would normally be able to support, but they believe it is a worthy cause to maintain high quality care for those using the hospital facilities.

Many individuals from the community have also voiced their support including Jim Hook and Jim Slater, of the Laramie Housing Board, who helped in the land acquisition process for the guest house. There have been a multitude of other community members who have helped make the house a reality in some capacity and Guy Warpress stressed:

The home would not be possible without the generosity of the community.

If you are interested in helping the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Foundation reach their goal, please visit the foundation's website for contact information and more details.