The Medical Center Foundation's Chair Emeritus, Nell Whelchel Wiegand, had a unique intuitive ability to understand the needs of patients, family members and staff. Since her passing, those closest to her have discussed how they create a lasting legacy for someone who cared so much for others and gave sixty years of volunteer service to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Nell dreamed of a Chapel Garden at the hospital and was thrilled when a design was completed and the project was added to The Medical Center Foundation’s signature gift naming opportunity list.  The Chapel Garden will be located outside the North Patient Tower's Dawn McKibbon Memorial Chapel adjacent to the Wilheit Keys Peace Garden.



To honor Nell and create a permanent legacy, a lead signature gift has been committed by a partnership of the Northeast Georgia Health System, The Medical Center Foundation and The Medical Center Auxiliary, to name the garden for her. The gift provides over 50 percent of the $375,000 needed for the project. Fundraising efforts are being led by Signature Gifts Chair Jim Moore and subcommittee members Pepper Brown, M.D., John Ferguson, LeTrell Simpson, Woody Stewart and Philip Wilheit.

We invite you to join us in fulfilling Nell’s dream of a Chapel Garden. Memorial gifts of $10,000 or greater, payable over three years, will receive permanent recognition through donor signage in the Chapel Garden. Gifts in any amount are critical and all donors will be included in a commemorative book to be presented to the family. Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Radiation Oncology Services will be the beneficiary of donations in excess of the $375,000 needed for the Garden.

Thank you for your interest in being a part of creating a special legacy that will honor Nell by benefitting patients, families and staff for generations to come.  All gifts are 100% tax deductible. Online gifts and pledge commitments can be made by clicking the links below.  You may prefer to make checks payable and mail to: The Medical Center Foundation | c/o The Chapel Garden | 2150 Limestone Parkway  | Suite 115  | Gainesville, GA 30519.  If you have questions or would like more information,  please call Nancy Colston or Maggie James at  770-219-8099.