National Office Furniture, a division of Kimball International, established their philanthropic “Gift of Inspiration” two years ago, to specifically award a well deserved organization each year with funds to help support that organization’s endeavor. For 2010, National’s $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare Environments winner is: The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, located in Madison, Wisconsin.
Specifically, the $25,000 was awarded to UW Hospital’s Health and Healing Committee which plans to use the funds for both new and on-going projects such as noise reduction, air quality, healing gardens, family caregiver support, quiet spaces, living landscapes, music to medicine and updating mapping for awareness of walking paths and gardens to encourage outdoor activity.
National understands the current economy makes it more difficult than ever to raise the necessary funds to offer the best in care and healthy environments for both patients and providers. Therefore, National introduced the $25,000 Gift of Inspiration to benefit healthcare organizations by supporting the needs in areas such as technology, the patient experience, staff morale, training and enrichment programs, or facility enhancements.
“True healing comes in part from a comfort level or peace of mind knowing that you have the caring and support of UW Hospital to overcome the challenges you face. A soothing, conscious healing environment plays a vital role in recovery and a lifetime of well being,” says Ardis Hutchins, Interior Architect, UW Hospital.
“Through their generosity, National Office Furniture has stepped into the role of healer,” stated Joel Wish, Health Psychologist, UW Hospital, Co-Chair Health and Healing Committee. "This gift from National Office Furniture recognizes the importance of a healing environment. We're grateful for their support and what it will enable us to do for patients and families."
“Often, what matters most cannot be found only in blood work and CT scans. In trying to understand how complex systems heal, we need to listen to the patient’s unique story and their emotions to connect to their hope, meaning and purpose. These are the most powerful healing mechanisms and where we will focus the Gift of Inspiration donation,” stated David Rakel, MD, Director, University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine.
“At National, our people have cultivated a culture of caring for our business partners, the environment and our neighbors. So, we’re pleased to offer the $25,000 Gift of Inspiration as our way to give back to the healthcare community for the extraordinary efforts made by healing professionals such as UW Hospital that enrich the lives of so many people,” says Kevin McCoy, General Manager, National Office Furniture. “Congratulations to UW Hospital. We’re proud to know that the gift will be put towards a program that will inspire healing and healthier communities.”
National received over 1,000 registrants from healthcare organizations nationwide for the $25,000 Gift of Inspiration for Healthcare. Healthcare organizations could automatically register to win simply by visiting National’s website; no purchase was necessary or required.
This is National Office Furniture’s second Gift of Inspiration recipient. In October, 2009, Southwest Middle School in Savannah, Georgia, won the Gift of Inspiration for Education using the funds to start an after-school life mentoring program for at-risk students. National is currently running its third Gift of Inspiration, again for Education Environments, which ends on August 31, 2010.
National Office Furniture staff with UW Hospital executive & architect.
National Office Furniture (Furniture with Personality®), is a division of Kimball International Inc., a Jasper, Indiana-based manufacturer of high-quality office furnishings. Since 1980 National has built a reputation for excellence with stylish furniture of exceptional value; a dedication to personalized service; product designs that reflect a passion for the user's comfort and productivity; and a commitment to environmental responsibility. For more information about National and its products, visit: www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com.
Cover Q & A
