AMERY, WI - Amery Regional Medical Center received a $1.6 million check from the Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation on December 19, 2006.  The generous donation was a part of a $2 million grant that was awarded to ARMC last May.  The Medical Center was to receive $400,000 a year over the next five years to help with the development and construction of the new healthcare facility.  However, to the Medical Center’s delight, Christmas came early.

“When I received the check in the mail, I was astonished.  You can’t imagine my surprise and gratitude,” stated Chief Executive Officer of Amery Regional Medical Center, Michael Karuschak, Jr.  The $2 million grant from Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation provides ARMC with funds needed for the completion of the new facility located at 265 East Griffin Street in Amery. 

The 120,000 square foot facility with an estimated cost of $36.5 million is scheduled for completion September 2007.  The 28-acre lot, purchased last May, will include additional clinic exam rooms, 25 private inpatient rooms, an expanded Emergency Care area as well as increase space for surgical services, laboratory and radiology services including a fixed MRI scanner.  Additional amenities such as a chapel, expanded parking, educational spaces, and a dining area will also be a part of the new facility.

To aid in the development of the new healthcare facility, ARMC started an internal fundraising campaign in November.  The campaign’s purpose is to raise funds which will help implement four special features at the future facility.  These features include plants for the rain gardens instead of seeding these areas, installation of the green roof, additional furnishings for the chapel including a water feature, and a walking path along the Apple River for the community.

The Medical Center wants to raise $665,000 for the implementation of these projects.  Of this amount, the goal for the internal fund raising campaign has been set at $350,000.  The ARMC Foundation has already donated $100,000 to the fund drive leaving a balance of $250,000 being requested from employees, management, members of the medical staff, the board of directors and ARMC volunteer partners.