Diane Perry, Franklin Savings Bank branch manager, hands John Welsh, Rumford Hospital CEO, a 2007-2008 Annual Appeal gift of $1,000.

Franklin Savings Bank doubles annual hospital donation

RUMFORD – When Jolan Ippolito, chairwoman of the Rumford Hospital board, wrote to individuals and organizations asking them to “stretch” their giving to the 2007-2008 Annual Appeal, she didn’t expect anyone to double their previous gifts.

But Franklin Savings Bank did. A major donor for six years, the bank had traditionally contributed $500. This year’s check was written for $1,000.

Other individuals and businesses have also upped their gifts this year, bringing the appeal to a total of nearly $25,000 only a month after its announcement. That’s a quarter of the $100,000 goal.

“That’s a great total for the first month of the campaign,” Ippolito said, “and because of this tremendous early response, we feel confident that our community will support the hospital on this very special appeal.”

The funds will furnish and equip the new inpatient unit and large operating room that will be built over the next year.

Those who did not receive the mailing may call the office of community relations at 369-1143 to request a brochure and remittance envelope.