Press Release

Auxiliary Funds Furniture in New Burgess Lobby

Visitors entering the new front door of Burgess will enter a handsomely designed lobby with a two-sided, stone fireplace as a centerpiece and warm green tones in beautiful new furnishings.

The lobby was created inside the new front entrance to Burgess as part of its renovation project.

The two dozen some chairs, couches, tables and lamps have been funded by the Burgess Auxiliary through ACT II, its consignment shop. The furniture was manufactured by Bergco Seating in Plattsmouth, Neb. The wood used in furniture pieces came from a nearby sawmill in Dunlap, Iowa operated by the father-in-law and husband of Lynnette Dunham, a registered nurse at Burgess.

“I don’t know anything about the wood used in the furniture,” laughs Dunham, “but I like the idea that an area business helped produce furniture that we can admire and use at Burgess.”

Inspiration for the spacious, light-filled lobby came from Dr. Garred Jr. who wanted the appearance of the front entrance to “set the stage” for the superior service that Burgess offers patients and families.

“We are grateful for the vision of Dr. John Garred, Jr., in helping us create a grander, more functional lobby,” says Fran Tramp, Burgess president. “We also are deeply thankful for the generosity and vital support of the Auxiliary and ACT II. Their gifts have helped us better serve our patients and visitors. Now their impact can be seen and used every day in our busy front lobby.”

In addition to the furniture, fireplace and artwork, a display window in the lobby with stuffed toys and other gifts lures shoppers to the adjacent Auxiliary Gift Shop which sells gifts to the public, visitors, patients and employees. A major donor recognition wall will soon be installed.

“We believe the new lobby at Burgess is a comfortable and welcoming setting for everyone who comes in the door,” says Gloria Hausman, Auxiliary president. “It is an excellent use of our funds that we generate in our ACT II shop.”