Rotarians donate $15K from Parrots of the Caribbean to Madison Hospital

MADISON – The good times from Parrots of the Caribbean have translated into a very good donation to Madison Hospital.

Rotary Club of Madison contributed $15,000 from event proceeds to help Madison Hospital purchase a transport ventilator. “Rotary served as a conduit (for) donations from the community,” Rotarian Catherine D. Beitel said.

On Nov. 4, Rotarians Peter Alvarez, John Possel and Larry Smith presented the check to Madison Hospital President Mary Lynne Wright and staff members.

Several respiratory therapists attended the presentation, along with Kim Owens; Deana White; Lavonia Dickerson, Manager Cardiopulmonary Services; Amanda Brooks; Christy Goodwin; and Gina Turner, Director of Emergency Department, Cardiopulmonary and Imaging Services.

“A transport ventilator is utilized anytime we have a patient on a ventilator that needs to be moved to other departments within the hospital — for example, to surgery or Imaging for MRI, CT scan any imaging studies that can’t be done at bedside,” Wright said. Medical staff also use the transport ventilator to move an intubated patient in ER or Surgery to ICU.

The device mechanically ventilates the patient during transport in a much safer, reliable way. Also, a patient in an ambulance could use a transport ventilator.

Parrots in 2020 was presented on a much smaller scale. Rotarians first determined that the event complied with CDC, state and county health guidelines and moved the event to Toyota Field with its experienced staff.

COVID-19 relief had drained reserves from traditional sponsors so Rotarians “decided to target a single critical need within our community and plan this year’s Parrots as a smaller but much more targeted fundraiser,” Beitel said.

Rotarians then identified Madison Hospital’s need for a mobile ventilator for their cardiopulmonary team. “The hospital had been impacted significantly by revenue loss (from) suspension of elective surgeries because of COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital has been renting a (mobile unit),” Beitel said.

Beitel believes Parrots has been so successful over the years because residents realize Rotary’s charitable work and selflessness of members. “They know it’s the primary fundraiser and are genuinely happy to support our work. Of course, Parrots’ long reputation for great food, wonderful live bands and lots of fun certainly doesn’t hurt.”

Rotary’s charitable projects have included Thanksgiving baskets to underprivileged families and veterans, scholarships to K-Tec vocational training and educational improvements and eye and dental care for Honduran villagers.

“Rotary is grateful for the community’s generosity,” Beitel said.

This year’s support from Rotary Club this year has been significant, Wright said. “Into our ninth year at Madison Hospital, everyone knows it has been our most challenging year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve had record numbers of patients on ventilators and record numbers of inpatients,” Wright said.

“Financial support allows us to continue to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to care for our patients,” Wright said. “It’s very uplifting for Madison Hospital staff to know how much this community supports our efforts to care for our patients.”

John Possel served as 2020 Parrots chairman. Tom Florence will coordinate the 2021 event.