Despite Economy, Wellness Community’s Building Hope Campaign Moves Forward.

The Wellness Community of Southwest Florida (TWC) is the recent recipient of two grants for Building Hope, their capital campaign for a new campus that is currently under construction just east of I-75 in Lakewood Ranch. The new facility, located in a tranquil setting surrounded by healing gardens, is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2010.

“Our organization’s Building Hope campaign was launched in a challenging economic environment. Continuing support from individuals, corporations and foundations is making it possible for us to continue to move forward,” said Alfred Rose, campaign chairperson.

The J. Milton Hoffa and Nellie E. Hoffa Memorial Foundation, administered by SunTrust, granted $12,500. Together with the $15,000 grant received from this foundation last year, their support totals $27,500. This grant was made possible by SunTrust CEO Margaret Callihan along with long-time Wellness Community champion and SunTrust Senior Vice-President Veronica Brady.

Also, The Bank of America Client Foundation granted $50,000, to be paid over the next three years. The first installment of $15,000 will be granted this month, with the remaining installments in subsequent years.

“This remains a challenging fundraising environment but we keep gaining momentum, and I encourage anyone interested in helping cancer patients by donating to please consider us,” said TWC Executive Director Jay Lockaby. “When our new campus is complete, we will have the capability to offer free support for up to 6,000 cancer patients and their families annually in the finest optimal healing environment available anywhere. Our community should take great pride in this model facility and in the extraordinary generosity of local donors and foundations during a very difficult period. We are honored.”

About The Wellness Community:
The Wellness Community (TWC) is a not-for-profit organization that provides support, education and hope for people affected by cancer, empowering them to fight for recovery and improve the quality of their lives. TWC programs are always 100% FREE of charge and held in a home-like facility where participants and their loved ones can meet other participants and share coping mechanisms. Our programs are funded entirely by philanthropic contributions and grants. There is no charge for any services provided by TWC. Since 1996, more than 9,000 individuals have made more than 60,000 visits to TWC in Sarasota and at satellite locations throughout the area.