Volunteers Give $1.5 Million to JoeAnna’s House

It’s one of the largest cash gifts for JoeAnna’s House, and it comes courtesy of 400-plus auxiliary members and volunteers to the KGH Foundation.

The hospital’s four volunteer-run businesses have announced a $1.5 million donation, which comes on the heels of the home’s opening later this year.

Fundraising began in October of 2017 where all sales from the KGH Foundation-operated businesses – The Perking Lot, Royal Bistro, Centennial Mercantile and Rutland Thrift Store – benefited the build and opening of JoeAnna’s House, a short term accommodation facility for families of patients from out of town.

Hundreds of volunteers donate their time so that 100 percent of the proceeds from every cup of coffee, bakery item, bistro entre, thrifted find or gift for that special someone could given back to those who need help.

“What an accomplishment,” said Nancy Wells, director of business enterprises at the KGH Foundation. “Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from university students to empty nesters to retirees – everyone has given the gift of time and we couldn’t do this without you.”

Wells oversees the 400 volunteers operations at four venues, three of which are located within KGH and one in Rutland.

As well, JoeAnna’s House is scheduled to open before Christmas this year, and there will be a significant volunteer component.

“Every four-hour volunteer shift represents a position we don’t have to pay a wage for, which cuts our overhead and increases our fundraising potential. And for our money-making ventures in the hospital and Rutland, it just means more opportunities to fund equipment and patient-care innovations not currently covered through our taxes.”