ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital has received a $25,000 gift to support the Building on a Promise campaign from Machias Savings Bank. This gift, combined with the support of the community, completes the $1 million Dixon Challenge that began last fall. At that time, longtime hospital supporter Edith Dixon and her family challenged the community to donate a total of $1 million and the Dixon Family pledged to match those funds dollar for dollar. 

“The Dixon Challenge was an incredible way to begin the campaign to modernize Maine Coast Hospital,” says John Ronan, FACHE, president, Maine Coast Hospital, in a news release. “For decades, the Dixon Family has been a true partner in our hospital’s success. It’s fitting that the gift that would allow us to complete this challenge and bring us into the final stages of the campaign would come from a business with which we also have a decades-long relationship with. We appreciate the continued support of Machias Savings Bank.”

Every gift and pledge made to the Building on a Promise campaign will stay in Ellsworth to support Maine Coast’s modernization. The project will include an all new spacious, family-focused birthing center with modern amenities, proximity to the operating room when emergency C-sections are needed, and a centralized parent and infant monitoring system. The project also includes renovations to other inpatient areas of the hospital, which will increase the availability of single private patient rooms and improve patient and family comfort and privacy.

“Healthcare accessibility is paramount for thriving communities and was a deciding factor on our recent donation to the Building on a Promise Campaign for the Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital,” says Machias Savings Bank president, Larry Barker. “With a 30 plus year partnership, we’re excited to support this new promise for parents and families.”

“With just under $750,000 needed to complete the campaign, every gift truly matters and we hope you will join us in supporting Maine Coast Hospital,” said the release.

To make a gift, please visit northernlight.org/MaineCoastPromise or call Ruth Calas, Director of Philanthropy at 207.374.3411.