Garden naming contest begins at Lakewood Health System

STAPLES - As Lakewood Health System's annual FoundationEmployee Giving campaign ends, more than $8,000 of the $29,000 total funds raised will be dedicated to the creation of a memorial garden at Lakewood Health System.

During the campaign, employees were given the option to give to a number of foundation initiatives, the memorial garden being one of the most popular areas.

The memorial garden will offer a space for celebrating, remembering and honoring loved ones. Groundbreaking of the memorial garden is expected to take place mid-to-late July. The master plan of the garden includes an amphitheatre, beach area, walking paths, gazebo, shrub maze, picnic area, fountains, bridges and more. The garden will be located on the west side of Lakewood Health System's Main Campus and will stretch beyond the north and south ends of the building.

Submissions for a garden name are now being accepted. On Aug. 27, a name unveiling ceremony will take place at Lakewood's Main Campus on the patio.

The winner of the naming contest will have the honor of planting the garden's first tree. Tim Rice, Lakewood Health System's President; Sen. Dan Skogen and Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba, are expected to offer a few words about the memorial garden and its impact on the community. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and refreshments will be provided. The naming contest deadline is Aug. 20.

The memorial garden phases are split into three-the first to begin in July. The total cost for phase one-which includes grading, mowing paths, cutting in the trail bed, bare root perennial plantings and the creation of the memorial walk-will total $86,000; all of which will rely on donations and fundraising. The Lakewood Health System Foundation has volunteered to spearhead the project.

During the first phase, people can donate in a number of ways. Engraved plates for the memorial statue can be purchased for $100 each. Monetary donations are also being accepted. A donation catalog to include benches, walkway pavers, a bench swing and statues will be available at the name unveiling ceremony on Aug. 27.

For more information, contact Connie Etzler at (218) 894-8503 or e-mail connieetzler@lakewoodhealthsystem.com.