February 10, 2005

DeWitt Family Generously Supports Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt

DeWitt, IA – Lloyd and Mildred Harmsen and their son, Larry, have generously demonstrated their support of Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt with a gift of $300,000.

The money is designated for hospital facilities, equipment and the recruitment, training and retention of nurses. The gift was made at the end of 2004.

Lloyd Harmsen was a Realtor, a farmer, and, is a life-long resident of Clinton County. He credits his wife, Mildred, for much of the couple’s success. She was formerly employed at the Rock Island Arsenal, Port of Embarkation at San Francisco and the Naval Base at Oakland, Calif.

Jeff Cooper, CEO of Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt said, “The Harmsens recognize the hospital as one of the main charities of the community."

“The gift is wonderful for the hospital in several ways; not only may it help purchase equipment for the hospital and assist monetarily in recruiting staff, but also is evidence of support for the hospital by the community.’’

Roger Hill, president of the hospital board, said the charitable gift annuity is the first gift of its kind to the hospital.

Hill said gifts are more important than ever before in health care as Medicare and Medicaid funding is reduced. “Philanthropy remains an important part of health care,’’ he said. “Costs are constantly increasing and reimbursements are decreasing."

“Estate gifts allow the hospital to plan for the future with confidence. They give the hospital an added degree of stability, which is important in today’s ever-changing health care environment. Such gifts are vital to the future of health care in our community.’’

The Harmsens’ donation brought the total contributions to the DeWitt hospital to nearly $500,000 in 2004.