FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                FOR MORE INFORMATION:
JUNE 20, 2001                                  Ron Hallman, PMC, 388-4744


The 75th Anniversary Campaign for Porter Hospital took another major step forward  this week following the announcement of a commitment of $50,000 from the Vergennes American Legion in support of this effort.

"The Vergennes American Legion has always been very receptive to supporting our special projects over the years and has a wonderful history of supporting many other important causes and projects in our community as well", said PMC President James L. Daily. "Obviously we are deeply grateful to the Vergennes Legion and its members for this key leadership pledge in support of the largest and most ambitious project in our history."

The $4 million fund-raising campaign which was launched last June, is now within $700,000 of reaching its goal thanks to the support of Porter board members, the PMC Auxiliary, members of the medical staff and several other generous community friends of the Hospital.

The capital campaign will support a $14 million construction project which will address a variety of serious and chronic facility issues and enhance patient care areas for surgical and maternity services according to Daily.

"We are heading into the final and most challenging phase of this major campaign, but we have a solid foundation of major gifts thanks to leadership gifts such as this pledge from the Vergennes American Legion", Daily added.