Beebe leaders mark the completion of the $60 million Sussex Supports Beebe Healthcare campaign. From left: Kay Young, Julie Short Decker, Karen Pickard, Jeffrey Hawtof, Ann Raskauskas, Dr. David Tam, Dr. Katie Johnson, Khalil Saliba, and Christian Hudson. (Photo credit: Beebe)

The Beebe Medical Foundation has announced the completion of its Sussex Supports Beebe Healthcare campaign, a multi-year fundraising effort that raised more than $60 million to support expanded services, facilities and workforce development for Beebe Healthcare across Sussex County.

The campaign, which launched in 2021, concluded with a total of $60,076,961 raised. Foundation and health system leaders said the funds will help Beebe respond to the county’s rapid population growth and increasing demand for medical services.

Campaign investments supported a range of initiatives, including medical education, mobile health services, cancer care, cardiovascular services and new or expanded clinical facilities.

Among the projects funded were the R. Randall Rollins Center for Medical Education, which supports Beebe’s family medicine residency program and builds on the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing; expansion of Beebe’s mobile health fleet to provide preventive, screening and behavioral health services throughout the county; and enhancements to oncology services at the Robert & Eolyne Tunnell Cancer Center and South Coastal Cancer Center. The campaign also supported Beebe’s Cardiovascular Institute, including the addition of a fourth cardiac catheterization lab.

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The Center for Breast Health, the only nationally accredited breast center in Delaware, was also included among the projects supported through the campaign.

“These investments reflect donors’ belief in the strength and talent of Beebe’s physicians, nurses, clinical teams, and administrators—professionals who serve Sussex County with exceptional skill and deep compassion,” the foundation said in a statement.

According to Beebe Medical Foundation, the campaign drew support from thousands of donors, including first-time contributors, longtime supporters and members of the foundation’s 1916 Leadership Giving Club. Significant contributions came from the Rocco A. and Mary Abessinio Foundation, the Delaware Atlantis Fund, the Ma-Ran Foundation, anonymous donors, and the Estate of Robert J. and Lois H. White.

Public funding also played a role. Federal and state support, including American Rescue Plan Act funding and Congressionally Directed Spending, helped advance Beebe’s mobile community outreach and behavioral health programs. Highmark BluePrints for the Community supported the development of the Long Neck Primary Care and Family Medicine Residency Practice.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to what makes Sussex County so extraordinary,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, president and CEO of Beebe Healthcare. “This community understands that healthcare is a shared investment in our future. Because of this generosity, Beebe is stronger, more innovative, and more prepared to meet the needs of a rapidly growing region.”

Khalil Saliba, chair of the Beebe Medical Foundation Board, said the campaign underscored the importance of private support in healthcare.

“The campaign demonstrates the essential role philanthropy plays in ensuring high-quality, accessible care,” Saliba said. “The generosity of our donors has expanded programs, elevated services, and ensured that Beebe remains a leader in community health.”

Kay Young, executive director of development for the foundation, pointed to the breadth of donor participation.

“This achievement reflects years of trust, engagement, and shared purpose,” Young said. “Every gift—large or small—helped build critical programs to improve the health of our community. We are deeply grateful to the 1916 Leadership Giving Club, whose steady commitment strengthens Beebe year after year.”

Ann Raskauskas, chair of the Sussex Supports Beebe Healthcare Campaign, said the effort reflected countywide support for the health system.

“Serving as Campaign Chair has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Raskauskas said. “This milestone represents dedication from people in every corner of Sussex County who care deeply about Beebe’s ability to grow and care for our growing community.”

Beebe Healthcare leaders said the health system plans to build on the campaign’s results as Sussex County continues to grow, with future efforts focused on expanding specialty care, investing in technology and strengthening the local healthcare workforce.

Sara Uzer

Sara Uzer is a journalist from Sussex County with more than 15 years of experience as a writer, editor, and community advocate.  She started her career in Washington, DC and has lived in Sussex County for the past five years.