At its annual meeting on May 3, the Beebe Auxiliary presented its largest annual gift to Beebe Healthcare, Lewes.
The donation of $311,000, will be used to fund a new Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab at the Medical Center in Lewes, planned for the fiscal year 2017.
Auxiliary President Wendell Alfred presented the check to Jeffrey M. Fried, CEO of Beebe Healthcare, William Swain Lee, Beebe board chairman, and Dr. Firas El-Sabbagh, medical director of Cardiac Electrophysiology.
“Every patient is a VIP in the cardiac unit and it makes us proud to know that we can help provide this service at Beebe so that members of our community do not have to travel for this important medical treatment,” said Dr. El-Sabbagh.
Beebe Auxiliary is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. During those 80 years, the Auxiliary has donated more than $5 million to Beebe Healthcare.
“We are so proud to be celebrating 80 years of the Beebe Auxiliary and 100 years of Beebe Healthcare. While it is gratifying to see the progress Beebe has made over the last 100 years, it is truly exciting to think where Beebe is headed in the next 100 years,” said Fried. “While new facilities and technology often capture the attention and focus of Beebe’s progress, it has always been our people that have made Beebe what it has become today.”
Cardiac electrophysiology (EP) treats heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. EP studies most often are recommended for patients with symptoms of heart rhythm disorders or for people who may be at risk for Sudden Cardiac Death.
Each year at the luncheon, the Auxiliary recognizes individuals who have given great support to Beebe and the Auxiliary. This year, Janet Zary of the Beebe Healthcare Print Room was recognized for her dedication and support of the Auxiliary. Ms. Zary is retiring in June but plans to volunteer for the Auxiliary in the future.
Beebe Auxiliary raises funds through several initiatives including Beebe’s Treasure Chest Thrift Shop in the Midway Shopping Center, which will be relocating into the former Sears store at Midway; the Gift Shop at the Medical Center in Lewes; the Auxiliary’s Craft Committee activities; the annual Plant Sale & Family Fun Fair at the Cordrey Center, and various employee sales events throughout the year.
