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It may still be the middle of winter here in
Northeast Georgia, but The Medical Center Foundation
is preparing for warmer days ahead.
On January 31, The Medical Center Foundation
held a special groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate
the construction of a new garden now underway at
Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC).
Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit have made a lead
signature gift to The Medical Center Foundation’s
third phase of the
Healthy
Journey Campaign to name the North Patient Tower
(NPT) Entrance Garden in memory of their parents Tom
and Jane Eve Wilheit and Jack and Mildred Keys.
The NPT Entrance Garden is the largest of five donor
gardens planned for the NGMC campus and spans 20,000
square feet across the NPT’s main concourse,
connecting the rotunda entrance to the Dawn McKibbon
Memorial Chapel. The garden creates a unique outdoor
destination for patients, families, visitors and
staff that includes plants native to the North
Georgia mountains, striking water features, seating
areas, accent lighting and a rainwater collection
system.
In addition, Mary Hart will design artistic
sculptures for the garden to enhance the natural
beauty of the space.
Philip and Mary Hart’s parents loved beautiful yards
and landscapes, so they felt the garden was the
perfect setting for their gift. Their gift includes
a maintenance endowment, which ensures the long-term
sustainability required for the life of the garden.
“Studies show that gardens encourage recovery by
evoking positive feelings and reducing negative
emotions,” said Woody Stewart, chairman of The
Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees. “A
garden in a healing setting such as a hospital is
designed to make people feel better.
This beautiful setting will create an outdoor
retreat that is full of life all year long and
provide a place to enjoy the natural surroundings.
We are grateful to Philip and Mary Hart Wilheit and
their children for the legacy they have created for
their families and the healing they have provided
for generations to come.”
“Watch the area frequently for progress,” added
Foundation Executive Director Nancy Colston. “The
landscape will change quickly, creating a beautiful
and peaceful garden for all to enjoy. We look
forward to its completion later this year.”
For more information about donor gardens or giving,
please contact The Medical Center Foundation at
770-219-8099.
Photo cutline (l to r):
Mark Fockele, Fockele Garden Company; Mary Lynn
Coyle, NGHS Board Chair; Philip Wilheit, Jr. holding
Turner Wilheit, Addie Wilheit; Mary Keys Payne; Mary
Hart Wilheit; Elizabeth Payne; Philip Wilheit, Sr.;
Hart Wilheit Payne; Jeff Payne, MD; LeTrell Simpson;
Nancy Colston, Executive Director of The Medical
Center Foundation; Carol Burrell, Interim CEO; Woody
Stewart, Chairman, The Medical Center Foundation
Board of Trustees
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