Belfast hospital tops $1M fundraising goal

BELFAST – Waldo County General Hospital says it has exceeded its $1 million capital campaign goal.

In meeting the $1 million mark by Jan. 31, the hospital’s funds will be matched by another $1 million from a foundation, said Mark Biscone, the hospital’s executive director.

“Through the generosity of our employees, physicians, board of directors, Hospital Aid, incorporators, community members, charitable foundations and local businesses, the amount raised totals more than $1,090,000,” Biscone said. Among the gifts that put the hospital over the top was a second pledge from the MBNA Foundation, he said.

Last year, the organization accepted a $1 million challenge pledge from the Sunshine Lady Foundation.

Under the conditions of this challenge, if the hospital reached the $1 million goal by Jan. 31, 2006, the foundation would match the $1 million.

The hospital’s surgical services area, already undergoing construction of a two-story addition, will add three operating rooms and two large procedure rooms for a total cost of $2.1 million. Construction is anticipated to be completed in April.