Raising Funds to Rebuild the Sanitarium
WHILE the Sanitarium fire destroyed a large amount of property, a sufficient amount was left to pay all the debts of the institution in full, so that it is not reduced to insolvency. The insurance money, amounting to $154,000, has been promptly allowed, the loss on the buildings and contents being complete. The sum of two hundred thousand dollars must be raised to replace the buildings and contents. It is not necessary that the raising of this money should be a burden to any one, or that it should diminish the contributions to any other needy branch of the work. The management are endeavoring to lay plans by which the necessary funds can be secured without involving the institution in debt, and without embarrassment to any other branch of the work. Former patients will be called upon to make a thank offering for the benefit received through the ministry of this healing agency. Already contributions from grateful patients are coming in. One gentleman of wealth, who has been for years a patron of the Sanitarium, has contributed ten thousand dollars, while another sends his check for five hundred dollars. Others are sending in sums varying from one hundred to several hundred dollars. The business men of Battle Creek are raising the sum of fifty thousand dollars, and the city is making many kindly offers of assistance in various other ways. The doctors, nurses, and other employees are taking hold nobly to lift all they possibly can. One physician has offered his home, and a few hundred dollars which he has at interest,—all his earthly possessions,—he and his wife having determined that they can cheerfully make this sacrifice for the sake of helping to lift the great burden which has so suddenly fallen upon us. Everybody connected with the Sanitarium is laboring earnestly to help in this great emergency.