Friday, April 26th, 2019
Grand Lake Health donates $300K for facilities
Health system secures rights to name field, gym
By Sydney Albert
Submitted Photo
Greg Adams, from left, Mike Makley, Jim Hollman, Grand Lake Health CEO Kevin Harlan, St. Marys City Schools Superintendent Bill Ruane, Dan Burke and Zach Ferrall pose during the announcement of Grand Lake Health's $300,000 donation toward the new football stadium.
ST. MARYS - The field at Memorial High School's new athletic complex will be called "Grand Lake Health System Field" after a $300,000 donation from health system officials.
The sizable donation to the Roughrider Philanthropic Association secured GLHS's naming rights to the field for at least 10 years. Additionally, starting in 2020, the high school gymnasium will be known as "Grand Lake Health System Gymnasium" for 10 years, according to a news release.
The RPA reportedly is still collecting pledges for the complex, and other naming opportunities remain, including the name of the stadium as a whole.
Pledges are tax deductible and able to be paid over five years.
"I've said before that our athletic facilities act like a front porch for our community" district superintendent Bill Ruane said. "When visitors come to our community and see 'Grand Lake Health System' on our field and in our gym, we should be proud that our front porch features an employer that epitomizes service to others. On behalf of the St. Marys City Schools, I thank them for their substantial donation."
GLHS was established in 1953 as a joint venture by community leaders to build and establish a medical center for the people of St. Marys, Noble, German and Jackson townships. Today, the health system employs more than 800 medical professionals and is one of the largest employers in the area, according to the release.
"We … know that in our community our local students and their athletic endeavors are a crucial part of the quality of life and general wellness," Grand Lake Health President and CEO Kevin Harlan said in the release. "When we were approached by the RPA and saw the progress and plans for the project, we knew it aligned very well in our vision. We are proud to be a part of it."
Work continues at the athletic complex, but features such as the stadium lights are installed, and bleachers with handicap-accessible seating and a large built-in press box have been installed on one side of the field. The project is on schedule to be completed in time for this fall's football season.
