Wood County Hospital today announced that it was launching one of the most ambitious fundraising campaigns in the community’s history.  The $2,500,000 campaign will help support the building of a 100,000 square foot building that will almost double the current size of the hospital.

While the public announcement of the campaign was today, hospital and community leaders have been working since the beginning of the year to line up campaign leadership and solicit early support.  To date, “The Vision for Tomorrow” capital campaign has received cash and pledges totaling over $1,250,000 – already half-way to its goal.

 “We’re excited about the early support and the fact that so many friends and donors see how important this project is to the community.  That support shows clearly in the fact that we’ve already raised more money than any other fundraising campaign in the community - outside of the university,” said Cristy Gray, Foundation Executive Director for the hospital.

The new building will cost $42,000,000, with $37,000,000 of the cost coming from a bond issue by the hospital.  The Wood County Hospital Foundation will contribute $2,500,000 from its earnings and raise the final $2,500,000, according to Gray.

The campaign will be co-chaired by four community leaders: Mike Marsh, a local attorney, Bill Culbertson, a senior executive with Huntington Bank, Ed Reiter, a retired banker, and Colleen Smith, retired city executive.

“While all campaigns provide community benefits, this effort will directly impact almost everybody in this area,” said Mike Marsh.