Fisher House Foundation will celebrate the opening of South Carolina's first Fisher House on Dec. 7, 2017 . The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (VAMC) and Fisher House Foundation will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony featuring remarks from Charleston VA Medical Center Director Scott Isaacks, Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Kenneth Fisher, Veterans Health Administration Executive in Charge Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg and Fisher House Charleston co-founders Trux and Durbin Emerson. The ceremony is open to the public and tours of the new Charleston Fisher House will be available following the ceremony.
The Fisher House, located in downtown Charleston at 150 Wentworth Street, will provide lodging for up to 16 families of eligible Veterans and active duty military members at no cost, allowing them to be close to their loved one while they receive care at the Charleston VAMC. The Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Fisher House will not only create an instant community for its residents – united by their common mission of supporting a sick or injured loved one – it will also provide families with a secure and private refuge after a long day at the medical center to rest and recharge.
“We are extremely humbled by the incredible generosity of the Charleston community and supporters across the country to our Veterans,” said Charleston VAMC Director Scott Isaacks. “Every day, our work at Charleston VA reminds us of the service and sacrifice of Servicemembers and the families that love them. And while there is no greater expression of love than the laying down of life for others, caring for family members who have suffered the wounds of war is a lifelong commitment that is to be highly valued as well. Opening this Fisher House provides us with the opportunity to continue to care for and comfort these families during their time of need.”
Located just a mile from the medical center in historic downtown Charleston, the three-story, 16-suite home features a common kitchen, laundry facility, a spacious dining room and an inviting living room with a library. In 2017, VA Fisher Houses have accommodated more than 25,000 families, saving them more than $4 million in lodging costs.
“It is an honor to bring families together at a time when they need it most – during a medical crisis,” said Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO, Ken Fisher. “We are grateful to continue to expand the network of Fisher Houses to Charleston. Building a Fisher House in a new community requires much passion and even more perseverance, and we are thankful for everyone in the Charleston community who helped make this house a reality.”
Construction of this Fisher House is supported by: Fisher House Charleston, Jack C. Taylor Family & Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Shipley Foundation, Inc. Fisher House Golf Classic 2016, Acosta Sales & Marketing, Bishop Gadsden, Emerson and Dorsch families, Samsung Electronics America and Veterans Canteen Service.
For more information about volunteering and supporting the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC Fisher House, please contact the Fisher House Manager at 843-789-7440.
PARKING NOTIFICATION
Those planning to attend the grand opening ceremony should be advised that no parking is available at the event site. Guests may park in the Patient & Visitor parking lot behind the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (109 Bee Street) and use the complimentary shuttle provided by Owl Inc. Transportation. Shuttle service to the event site begins at 9 a.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow for travel time to the event site. Volunteers will be on-site at VA and the Fisher House to guide you. Shuttles will transport you back to the VA following the ceremony and reception.
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This is an unedited press release
