Hospital capital campaign enters final stage

As Sonoma Valley Hospital nears its grand November re-opening, the funding gap to pay for the project continues to narrow. The capital campaign has to-date raised $8.9 million toward the $11 million needed to complete expansion of the new hospital and state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center and Surgery Center, according to Harmony Plenty, campaign director.

The latest advance is $250,000 challenge grant from Sonoma residents Arline and Buddy Pepp. The grant will match, dollar for dollar, new gifts to the campaign up to $250,000.

“Arline and I are thrilled that Sonoma Valley Hospital will have a state-of-the- art emergency care and surgery center,” said Buddy Pepp. “We are pleased to help as we enter the final phase of the fund raising for the new facility. I’m confident that the fantastic addition will attract superior medical professionals and will be one of the magnets that will insure that Sonoma remains one of the finest places to live in the country.”

Added Plenty, “We’re delighted that Arline and Buddy stepped forward with their challenge grant. Every dollar counts and we want people to know that a donation at any level can have real impact.”

The capital campaign will close the $11 million gap between the $35 million bond issue and the total cost of the expansion. Included in the project are a new central utility plant, east/west wing infrastructure upgrades, west wing seismic upgrades, infrastructure for electronic health records, expanded parking, electrical upgrades, and the new wing for a new state-of-the-art Emergency Care Center and Surgery Center.