Philanthropy Makes Miracles Possible at the New WVU Medicine Children ’ s Hospital
WVU Medicine Children ’ s makes miracles happen every day for West Virginia families : babies are born , children conquer cancer and so much more . With the expected opening of a new nine-story , 150-bed hospital this fall , WVU Medicine Children ’ s is poised to produce more miracles than ever before .
None of those miracles would be possible without private philanthropic support . About 3,000 individuals , businesses , foundations and organizations have provided over $ 50 million in philanthropic support to ensure the new WVU Medicine Children ’ s Hospital offers the state ’ s greatest range of pediatric specialty and high-risk maternal care under one roof .
Slated to open this fall next to J . W . Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown , WV , the new hospital features state-of-the-art facilities , advanced specialty capabilities and expanded patient and family care services , including :
• A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
• A Pediatric Acute Care Unit
• A Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
• Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
• A Pediatric Emergency Department
• Pediatric Operating Rooms
• Advanced Pediatric Imaging
• A Spa-Like Birthing Center
• Dedicated Labs for Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization , Interventional Radiology and Endoscopy
• A Heart Center
• A Blood Disorders and Cancer Center
• A Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic
• Private Inpatient Rooms
• An On-Site Pharmacy
• A Cafeteria
• A Gift Shop
“ Every child deserves quality care to ensure they can grow and celebrate the joys of childhood ,” says Albert L . Wright Jr ., president and CEO of the WVU Health System . “ The world-class amenities at this new hospital — combined with our family of dedicated doctors , nurses and other professionals — will transform health care for babies , children , adolescents and families by offering resources , services and technology available nowhere else in West Virginia or the surrounding region .”
Much of the support for WVU Medicine Children ’ s Hospital was provided via the Grow Children ’ s capital campaign . Nicholas County businessman Steve Antoline and legendary WVU quarterback Jeff Hostetler led the charge as campaign co-chairs . Both are generous contributors who serve on the WVU Medicine Children ’ s Leadership Council .
Antoline and his family made a significant gift to support the new hospital ’ s lobby . He also partnered with friend and business partner Steve Ferguson to launch a community fundraising effort in central West Virginia that raised more than $ 1.1 million .
“ This experience has been amazing and rewarding ,” Antoline says . “ The energy and the purpose behind this Children ’ s Hospital campaign is nothing short of incredible .”
More than 100 donors made gifts of $ 50,000 or more . Among the major contributors are :
• Labor groups . The United Mine Workers of America committed to raising $ 1 million to honor longtime president and West Virginia native Cecil E . Roberts , and the Mountain Loggers Group , Inc . carried on a decades-long tradition of support by pledging $ 500,000 .
• Businesses . Business partners in West Virginia and beyond have shown tremendous support , including United Bank , which contributed $ 1 million ; Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration , which contributed over $ 100,000 ; and 36 auto dealers statewide that collectively raised $ 661,750 in a single month .