As 2006 enters its closing months, so, too, does the Centennial Campaign for Excellence — and the good news is that its goal is clearly in sight. Since 2003, ambitious efforts have been under way to raise $25 million to support Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s new Cardiovascular, Oncology, and Women & Infants Centers for Excellence, plus a number of its ongoing community programs.

“Fundraising is just a shade over $24 million as of this writing,” Campaign Chair Darrell Sooy reports enthusiastically, highlighting recent outreach to physician groups for donations. “We’ve been delighted by the generosity exhibited by our physician groups. Clearly, they have a willingness to share in investments in the Medical Center and are eager to continue to invest in our future.”

Already, some campaign dollars have been designated for good use. “A significant amount of the money that has been raised will be spent on equipment for a wide range of programs throughout the Medical Center,” explains Sooy. “The Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center, for example, has already purchased some much-needed gear, and some key purchases are in process for Women & Infants Services.

“So much of what we’re funding, in the way of bricks and mortar and equipment, would have gone unfunded if not for philanthropy and the generosity of the community,” Sooy concludes. “In the final analysis, the success of our campaign shows that this community really does care about its local hospital.”