Community support continues for new hospital main entrance canopy for Ontonagon
Following on the heels of a successful community open house celebration for the new emergency department and inpatient unit at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, generous support for the main entrance canopy continues to come in.
Ontonagon residents Bill and Joanne Wood presented Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Foundation President Jim Jessup with a donation for the canopy following the open house. More than 200 community residents toured the new facility upgrades during the celebration in April and they had the opportunity to see the hospital’s new main entrance canopy funded by the Foundation. The Foundation began leading efforts to raise $198,000 to provide comfortable access to the hospital for people right here in the Ontonagon community when they are sick, injured, or are visiting loved ones.
“The addition of this new canopy for the main hospital entrance to match the new Emergency Department is something we really wanted to do to provide everyone with the most comfortable access possible,” said Jessup. “We are tremendously happy with how well-received it has been. Our Upper Peninsula weather can be unpredictable and this is just another way we can help to make each and every visit better.”
Since fundraising efforts began in the community last summer, the Foundation has raised more than $85,000 for the main entrance canopy.
Historically, it was the residents of Ontonagon who donated the funds necessary to build the original hospital in 1945. Residents stepped up again in 1970 to build the current facility. Jessup said the Foundation is hoping the community can once again support positive hospital improvements that lead to a higher level of care for residents for years to come.
Tax deductible pledges of up to three years, can be made to the Foundation though board members or by sending them directly to the AOH Foundation at 601 South Seventh Street, Ontonagon, MI, 49953.
For more information, contact the Aspirus Ontonagon Foundation at 906.884.8182.
Pictured: Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital Foundation President Jim Jessup receives a generous donation from Ontonagon residents Bill (and Joanne, not pictured) Wood for the hospital entrance canopy fundraiser.