RUMFORD – Thomas Fogarty, vice president for development at Central Maine Health Care, praised Rumford Hospital’s Development Committee for its work in growing the hospital fund-raising program since its inception four years ago.

“I’m amazed,” he said, “by how this has grown.” Fogarty was invited to attend a Development Committee meeting to talk about future development efforts, including planned giving.

The growth to which he referred has been in the annual appeal, which totaled less than $20,000 in its first year, 2000-2001, yet aims to bring in $50,000 in 2003-2004.

Fogarty encouraged the committee to continue to personally ask friends and acquaintances to support the hospital, to make a concerted push to put the appeal over the top. “You have done an excellent job,” he said.

With less that two weeks to go until its June 30 end date, the appeal is a few thousand dollars away from its $50,000 goal. Hospital board members and employees, as well as the Development Committee, are asking friends and neighbors who haven’t yet given to step in to take this year’s appeal over the top – especially because a substantial portion of the $50,000 will fund renovations for an expanded oncology suite.

More information about the appeal is available in hospital waiting rooms and lobby by calling Community Relations at 369-1143.