“The generosity of local philanthropists and a $650,000 Kresge Foundation grant helped to bring the capital campaign to the goal”, said campaign co-chairs Frank Merlotti, Jr. and Alex DeYonker.

The Kresge Foundation’s challenge grant is one of three grants awarded to an ACS Hope Lodge in the country. “The Kresge challenge served as a key motivator to many donors and we are grateful to all who stepped forward to help us meet the challenge and secure this generous Kresge Foundation grant,” said DeYonker.

The Kresge Foundation is a $3 billion national foundation that concentrates its programming on capital campaigns as a key opportunity for nonprofit growth. The American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division was proud to be chosen to receive this award, following a stringent application and review process.

The 30,000-square-foot facility located at the corner of Jefferson Ave. SE and Cherry St. in downtown Grand Rapids will provide complimentary overnight accommodations and transportation for cancer patients and their caregivers during treatment in Grand Rapids. 

The facility, which is comprised of the Peter M. Wege Guest House and the Robert & Barbara Wood Service Center, is eyeing a late 2007 opening, beginning with the relocation of the Society’s local service center, which is currently located at 400 Ann St. NW. The entire facility is expected to open, including the welcoming of its first guests, in February 2008.

Hope Lodge Grand Rapids, the only Hope Lodge in Michigan, will be the 23rd such facility in the country and expects to accommodate approximately 600 patients and provide 7,200 complimentary nights of lodging for cancer patients and caregivers annually. The facility will not only reduce the financial burden for patients and caregivers traveling to Grand Rapids for treatment, but also provide a much-needed supportive environment for healing.         

“We are truly pleased that so many generous individuals, companies and foundations helped the campaign to reach yet another milestone and together, as a community, we have taken another step toward improving the quality of life of cancer patients and their families,” said Merlotti.

Approximately 3,800 patients receive treatment at Grand Rapids-based cancer centers each year. Of these, more than 930 patients, or one in every four patients, travel from outside Kent County seeking treatment.

The facility will include 20 private guest suites, a great room, four kitchens, three living rooms, two conference rooms, two laundry rooms, an exercise room, a library offering Internet access, an outdoor garden area, and ACS staff offices.  

The American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, has obtained favorable tax-exempt financing to cover the remaining costs associated with the facility’s construction and is also working to establish an endowment to assist in covering the annual operational expenses. For more information on donor and volunteer opportunities, please call Teresa Schaal at (616) 364-2540.

Pictured: Construction of the Hope Lodge Grand Rapids is underway (above right)