S&W passes $4 million in medical center donations

September 24, 2012, 8:00 pm by Adam Troxtell

Construction of the Scott & White medical clinic near the intersection of US 281 and TX 71 is progressing faster than expected, as workers now have a wall up on the west side of the clinic. Its expected completion date is June 2013. (Staff Photo by Adam Troxtell)

By Adam Troxtell

Highland Lakes Newspapers

Scott & White received a big boost recently when their fundraising foundation passed the $4 million to help offset the cost of the medical clinic and hospital expected to be complete in 2014.

The Scott & White Healthcare Foundation has set a goal of $25 million in private donations over five years to cut into the nearly $150 million it will cost for the entire project. The effort is led by a steering committee of volunteers. Blue Bonnet Cafe owner John Kemper and Houston-area businessman Bob Shafer were named new co-chairs last week.

"We’ve been satisfied with the fundraising so far,” Kemper said. "The community has really stepped up and we’ve seen contributions of all different sizes. We’re excited, because it’s the next biggest economic development in the area, really, since Horseshoe Bay.”

Shafer, a Horseshoe Bay resident, is also a four-year member of the Llano Hospital Board.

"Since I practiced as a veterinarian, I have had an interest on both the veterinary and human side of medicine,” Shafter said. "We’re very happy with the $4 million from the last two or three years of community giving. We think it’s a good indication of the support for the hospital by community members.”

For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.