Foss Architecture + Interiors’ partner Shelly (Reck) Richard is right in the thick of RiverView Health’s hospital and clinic building project, RiverView 2020. Thanks to a generous donation from Foss and another from Richard, they are also helping the RiverView Foundation raise what could be a record amount during next week’s Giving Hearts Day (GHD).
The excitement is building, as the RiverView Foundation gets ready for the Feb. 13th annual give-a-thon for nonprofits. Part of that excitement is because businesses like Foss Architecture + Interiors and individuals like Richard have given donations to the Foundation’s donor match program to stretch and leverage gifts given during the 24-hour online event.
“Foss Architecture + Interiors is proud to make a contribution to the RiverView Foundation in support of the new ambulatory clinic and inpatient addition,’’ Richard stated. “We are excited for this donation to grow through the Foundation by having a local match.’’
Undesignated funds from this year’s Giving Hearts Day will again be used for the building project, scheduled for completion this fall. The Foundation Board of Directors has committed to raising $2 million toward the project to support the meditation room, the Inpatient Unit patient rooms, labor and delivery rooms, and family suites.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR EXCEPTIONAL OUTCOMES
Contributing to RiverView Health is not new for Foss Architecture + Interiors or Shelly Richard. The Fargo company has worked on a variety of projects at RiverView over the years, including the main floor re-carpeting, interior signage, and wood feature wall/logo in the main lobby. For the new build, Richard, an interior designer, has worked closely with the RiverView building committee to design the interior finishes as well as working with the Foundation to design the donor wall. Richard is also currently working on the design of the exterior signage, interior signage, selecting furniture and fabrics, and selecting artwork, including commissioned pieces from area artists.
According to Shelly Richard, the partners at Foss Architecture + Interiors understand how critical it is to have a strong local hospital as they all come from the Red River Valley or rural communities in Minnesota and North Dakota. Team members include:
- Shelly Richard, Mentor, MN
- Bob Ames, Fargo, ND
- Wade Erickson, Mayville, ND
- Steve Skoblik, Lucan, MN
- Adam Peterson, Pelican Rapids, MN
DESIGNING, GIVING FROM A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE
On the personal side, Shelly Richard has first-hand experience as a patient at RiverView. In 1985, the Mentor native gave birth to the first baby born at RiverView in the new year; Ashley Gagner was born at 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 1st, 1985, making her the “first to arrive in ‘85’’.
Richard and her husband Tim gave their recent donation in honor of Ashley and designated the funds to support the new OB suites.
“I am excited to see the OB suites come to fruition,’’ Richard shared. “They will be state-of-the-art and allow staff to work efficiently and provide exceptional care. I enjoy thinking about all the upcoming births and feel the design will provide a family-centered experience in a welcoming, homey atmosphere depicted with warm colors, wood-look flooring, comfortable furniture and wonderful views of the river. It will be a perfect, calming space to welcome a family’s new addition.
“I think back to the day I gave birth to my daughter at RiverView. It was a wonderful experience and the staff was outstanding. The only thing that could have made it even more special would have been to experience that life-moment in the welcoming atmosphere that the new OB suites will provide.’’
And the first to arrive in ’85? Ashley Gagner went on to graduate from Fargo South High School, Ithaca College (New York) with a BFA in Theatrical Production Arts – Design, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Northeastern University. She has worked in the theatre in New York City; worked as a theatrical coordinator, designer, and event producer working with clients such as Pepsi, American Express, Dollar General, Bloomberg, and Nike; worked with a world-renown wedding designer on weddings, corporate galas, and non-profit events all around the world; and in October 2019 started her own event production company, AG Production Design, with an official launch coming this spring.
To give to the RiverView Foundation on Feb. 13, go to riverviewhealth.org and click on the Giving Hearts Day link. For more information about Giving Hearts Day, contact Foundation Director Kent Bruun at kbruun@riverviewhealth.org or call 218-281-9249. If you would like assistance with your donation, stop by Bruun’s office, located near the RiverView Cafeteria, and he will take your information in a secure, confidential setting and input the information for you.
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