HUNTSVILLE — Campus 805 donated $50,000 in gift cards to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation as a gesture of thanks to health care workers for their work during the pandemic.
Foundation President Sarah Savage-Jones called it “a significant and amazing original creative gift” during a presentation. The cards will be distributed to employees at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children and Madison Hospital.
The gift cards were spearheaded by two Huntsville businessmen who had health care scares during the pandemic.
Randy Schrimsher, whose company developed the sprawling multi-use facility, and Bill Roarke, a partner in Yellowhammer Brewing at Campus No. 805, said they were brainstorming how nice it would be if they could bring Campus No. 805 and everything it has to offer, to Huntsville Hospital employees, to say, “thank you.”
“At our age, we need Huntsville Hospital,” said Schrimsher, glancing mischievously at Roarke.
“We seem to use it a little more than we want from time to time,” he said to laughter from the audience. “But after going through a procedure a month or two ago, I was so impressed with the care I received, everyone from doctors, nurses and technicians to food service workers made me realize how much they do for patients.
“Bill came up with the idea to give gift certificates to the Foundation so they can distribute them to their staff. This donation is just a small ‘thank you’ to the people on the front lines every day.”
Roarke said there are few people who can appreciate the staff at Huntsville Hospital more than he does.
“I have been in there a number of times over the years with a couple of heart episodes,” he said. “Then my wife went through a battle with cancer, so I have seen it from all angles.
“I think the hospital workers’ endurance is just unbelievable and I hope Campus No. 805 gift cards will provide a respite for those healthcare workers.”
Savage-Jones said it is the largest gift the Foundation has received of this nature, and she said Huntsville Hospital workers deserve it.
“For two years, day in and day out, Huntsville Hospital staff have gone through that pandemic experience with flying colors,” she said. “They’ve shown up when we were short staffed and when we were full. Every day they are dedicated to making sure you and I stay well and safe.
She said the foundation is issuing gift cards throughout the hospital system, inviting the staff to celebrate together at Campus No. 805.
“They may come and eat, they may come and throw an axe or take ballroom dancing lessons, but Campus No. 805 reminds us of what is wonderful about this city, and how these experiences make our lives better,” said Savage-Jones.
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