Friendship Haven has been an important part of Fort Dodge for more than six decades. It offers a variety of living options for seniors. Since it was founded in the mid-20th century, this community within a community has grown and evolved in response to the changing needs of the sectors of the population it serves.

This continuing care retirement community offers a range of living options all on the same campus. There are several distinct choices. All feature convenience and security. Whether the potential resident requires independent residential living, assisted living or skilled nursing care, Friendship Haven stands ready to serve. Friendship Haven also provides innovative adult day care services.

Consequently, it is exciting that a three-year fundraising effort has been an unprecedented success. The “Dare to Imagine Beyond the Dream” campaign has thus far generated about $3.57 million. That exceeds the $3.5 million goal initially set for this major undertaking.

Bruce Vandagriff, chairman of the board of Friendship Haven Inc., told The Messenger recently that this was the most successful capital campaign in the institution’s history.

As the needs of the aging baby boom generation become a larger societal concern, it is reassuring that here in Fort Dodge Friendship Haven is responding aggressively to provide an array of top-notch living and support choices for our region’s senior citizens.

Many people helped Friendship Haven achieve this important financial goal. Those who serve on the committee that spearheaded this effort deserve special praise. They are:

Bev Baedke,

Jennifer Crimmins,

Phil Gunderson,

Chad Hammar,

Steve Hendricks,

Joe Jerome,

Linda Lauver,

Jim Patton,

Bruce Shimkat,

Julie Thorson,

Bruce Vandagriff and

Kirk Yung.

While many area residents gave generously to the campaign, John and Lin Simpson, of Fort Dodge, deserve special mention. They donated $500,000 and committed to provide a 100 percent match for an additional $500,000 in future campaign donations. The new health care facility is named after them.

The Messenger congratulates everyone who worked hard to make this fundraising drive an amazing triumph as well as the board and management of Friendship Haven for their commitment to keeping Friendship Haven a vital asset for our town far into the future.