Page 50 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch May 3, 2013 . . AGH’s 20th Anniversary Event Planned For May 16 FROM PAGE 49 as a not-for-profit and there are many not-for-profits in a very small community,” said Keiser. “So it’s trying not to step on anyone’s toes, even within our organization.” The funding received from events like the anniversary celebration, the Fall Golf Classic and the popular Penguin Swim on New Year’s Day, which AGH considers its “big three,” along with other fundraisers throughout the year can’t be downplayed, said Keiser, especially as the health care industry changes every year. In the past, big ticket donations could be expected from a few private individuals. That’s becoming a little less common now with hospitals shifting to focus more on preventative care than to larger facilities. “Fewer and fewer hospitals are expanding their footprint but still need to raise capital dollars to expand services and programs,” said Keiser. “But in your traditional campaigns for fundraising people want a building, they want bricks and mortar, they want something to put their names on.” The main challenge now is explaining to people that a hospital doesn’t need a new wing or trauma center to become more effective for the community and that the “intangible” improvements such as The home of John and Pat Otto will be the site for a grand 20th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, May 16. Submitted Photo bringing in new providers, technology and programs is just as worthy an endeavor to contribute funds to, according to AGH Foundation Board of Directors Chair Laura Deeley Bren. Since opening in 1993, AGH has maintained exactly 62 hospital beds. Services rendered to the community have increased exponentially, however. “When the hospital first opened, there were six providers in Wor- cester County,” said Keiser. “We now have over 200 providers both in specialty and primary care.” The goal, she continued, is not to treat people in the hospital whenever possible but to encourage preventative measures and partnerships with regular providers so that health care problems don’t reach the point where a hospital stay is required. The funding raised at critical events like the 20th anniversary celebration will provide the foundation for that, said Keiser. Tickets to the May 16 anniversary celebration, from 6:30-9 p.m., are $125 per person or $200 for a couple. It is open to anyone interested in the community. All proceeds will benefit the AGH Foundation. For more information or to RSVP, contact Laura Stearns in the AGH development office at 410-641-9671 or lstearns@atlanticgeneral.org.