Beacon House expands hospitality services

A ribbon cutting will be held at Marquette General Hospital in the Robert C. Neldberg Building lobby at 11:00 am on Wednesday to recognize the new management of several hospitality services by Beacon House.

Three functions to support patients and families receiving medical care are now included in the family of services of the Hospitality House of the Upper Peninsula (HHUP). The hospital gift shop, now known as “Hospitality Gifts,” and “Your Coffee for a Cause,” previously known as “Grounds Abound,” in both the hospital and the Peninsula Medical Center, and the in-hospital hospitality rooms at the hospital have been added to Beacon House services under the HH of the UP offerings. Jennifer Dodge and Margaret Parker will continue to manage the existing operations of the shops and the rooms, with existing staff and volunteers supporting their efforts.

“We are very happy to assume these needed services to support the patients and families of the hospital and medical center,” said Renee Prince, president of the HHUP board of directors. “Since the hospital is no longer a non-profit organization, it made perfect sense for us to come along side and assume the operations of the hospitality rooms and the gift and coffee shops.”

Marquette General CEO Gary Muller said, “Our long-standing close relationship with Beacon House is both strengthened and expanding as a result of these developments.  I am especially with excited with the prospect of Beacon House managing the in-house hospitality rooms on campus at MGH.  This close tie with Beacon House offers a level of service and compassionate care for our patients and their families traveling from outlying areas that is indeed rare and inspiring.  It reflects the spirit of community we all share in the Upper Peninsula.
Sue LeGalley, also a HHUP board member and former president of the Hospital Auxiliary, oversaw the transition of the volunteer services from the hospital volunteer auxiliary to the HHUP.

“There are so many wonderful people who volunteer their time to support the medical community,” LeGalley stated. “The efforts that go into the hospital gift shop operations are incredible, and the funds generated there, and through the coffee shops, will continue to support the programs and services that make it a little less stressful to be here for medical care.”

Hospitality Gifts and Your Coffee for a Cause (both locations) will have free giveaways and drawings for gift cards to be used at each location all day Wednesday to commemorate the celebration.