Bethel employees exhibit generosity, complete Bethel's Capital Campaign

Posted on Friday, May 7, 2010

By Staff

Employees of Madison's Bethel Lutheran Home demonstrated their generosity recently as they pledged $61,268 toward Bethel Foundation's Caring-Preparing Capital Campaign.

Eighty-five percent of Bethel's 130 employees participated in the campaign.

Recognizing their generosity, Jim Iverson, Bethel administrator, said, "This contribution is fantastic! It is a true reflection of the dedicated employees here at Bethel who care for our residents on a daily basis and who want to participate in improving the facility through this campaign. I am very proud of our staff and their efforts."

Tom and Joyce Farrell, co-chairs of the Caring-Preparing campaign, added that "85 percent participation is a true testament to the commitment the staff has to Bethel."

The staff and employee campaign is headed by Linda Nighbert, Bethel Lutheran Home office manager. Other staff members serving on this committee are Marilyn Braskamp, Jeannie Heilman, Amber Oines, Sharon Siemonsma, Joyce Strom and Cathy Stromberg.

The Bethel Foundation is conducting the Caring-Preparing campaign in an effort to raise $750,000 to fund important improvements and renovations to the 48-year-old Bethel Lutheran Home and to retire the construction debt of the New Hope Child Care Center, which was completed in January 2009.

The staff and employee campaign is one of seven phases that are seeking gifts toward the $750,000 goal. Current and former board members of Bethel's Governing Board and Bethel's Foundation Board have also completed their portion of the campaign.

With Dr. Ralph Wagoner as chairman, board members very generously contributed $106,015. Jeff Bloom launched the business portion of the campaign, and this phase is continuing its work. Under the leadership of Judy Johnson, the Women of the Church began their campaign last month and hope to secure their pledges by August.

The final three phases -- daycare families and Bethel Home residents, major gifts, and congregations -- will begin their work later this year.

As of today, $346,884 in gifts and pledges have been secured.

©Madison Daily Leader 2010