St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital took another huge step forward when Reynolds Plantation recently announced its pledge of $1 million to the hospital Foundation’s capital campaign effort. Funds raised by this effort are designated to help the hospital acquire advanced equipment, furnishings and technology for its new replacement facility, which opened Nov. 25 of last year.

“The addition of this state-of-the-art facility is important to the progress of the whole community and we are honored to support St. Mary’s in its mission,” said Rabun Neal, president of Reynolds Plantation.

Having been involved in the development of the region for more than two decades, Neal is acutely aware of the hospital’s value to the community. “The Lake Oconee area has grown steadily over time and a top-quality hospital was one of the last major components needed to complete the puzzle,” concluded Neal. “Improved access to excellent medical care will enhance the lives of residents of the entire region, including Reynolds Plantation’s members and employees.”

Good Samaritan Hospital President Montez Carter said, “Due to the enormous generosity of corporate citizens like Reynolds Plantation, combined with that of caring individuals throughout the community, we will be better equipped to improve the lives of all we serve.”

“The success of the fundraising effort is elevating us from good to great by providing some of the finest medical, surgical and diagnostic equipment available,” added Carter. “Because donations to the campaign will remain local, they directly impact the level of care that this facility is able to provide.”

Crysty Odom, director of the St. Mary’s Foundation, said, “With the addition of this significant pledge by Reynolds Plantation, we have now raised nearly 85 percent of our $8 million goal.”

While the outpouring of financial assistance from the community has been considerable, Odom is still hopeful about the prospects for additional donations. “We are enormously thankful for each and every donation received to date and delighted to be so close to our goal. With everyone’s help, I am confident that together we can get over the top.”