Children's Health

More than $100 Million Given For New Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

The new Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is one step closer to reality thanks to $102,468,400 in community support. The campaign success was announced Saturday evening at the Spectrum Health Gala 2008 to benefit the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Endowment.

“We kicked-off an ambitious $100 million capital campaign two years ago and the community has responded beyond our expectations,” said Dick Antonini, For Our Kids campaign co-chair. “More than 4,400 donors stepped forward to contribute to the largest capital campaign ever undertaken by the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation and Spectrum Health Foundation.”

The Foundation launched the campaign with the announcement of a $50 million gift from the children of Richard and Helen DeVos – Dick and Betsy DeVos, Dan and Pam DeVos, Doug and Maria DeVos, Bob and Cheri Vander Weide.

Thousands of gifts of all amounts from individuals, families, organizations and even kids themselves, poured in over the following two years. Many major gifts from families and corporations – in and outside of West Michigan – helped propel the campaign forward. A generous, well-timed gift from the Van Andel Family brought the campaign to its goal and re-energized the volunteers.

“Those of us, who have worked on previous campaigns, had not experienced the depth and breadth of giving that was committed to this effort, for our kids,” said Donnalee Holton, Board Chair of the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“The success of the capital campaign is rooted in families,” said Bob Connors, M.D., president, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “This campaign was about families stepping up to help other families. The support of children’s health care is demonstrated by the overwhelming response from our community.”

A team of six co-chairs led the For Our Kids Capital Campaign and were supported by 75 volunteers. Co-chairs include:

  • Richard L. Antonini
  • Dan DeVos
  • Donnalee Holton
  • Ethelyn Haworth
  • Wilbur A. Lettinga
  • Joan Secchia

“The response from the community speaks volumes about how West Michigan cares for children, “said Vicki Weaver, president, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed. All gifts make a difference in the lives of children and families.”

While the initial goal has been met, support is still needed for programs and services in the new hospital. Giving opportunities at all levels are available. Donors contributing $50 or more will be permanently recognized on the donor wall in the new hospital. Visit’www.devoschildrens.org/give ‘to learn more about giving opportunities.

Features of the new 14-story, 440,000-square-foot facility slated to open in 2011 include:

  • Dedicated pediatric operating rooms and surgical support space
  • Dedicated pediatric emergency department
  • Dedicated pediatric radiology and diagnostic imaging center
  • Dedicated pediatric cardiac catheterization labs
  • Spacious rooms for patients and their families

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to helping passionate donors make a real difference by supporting exceptional health care that provides comfort and care to thousands of children and families each year in West Michigan, regardless of their ability to pay.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is West Michigan’s largest children’s hospital, serving children and families throughout a 37-county region. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric specialty physicians uniquely skilled in providing medical and surgical care to children in 40 pediatric specialties. The hospital cares for more than 7,500 inpatients and 150,000 outpatients annually. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is committed to caring for children and their families with compassion, excellence and innovation.