Couple pledges $900,000 if Whidbey General Hospital bond is approved

As volunteers gather to promote a $50 million bond to pay for construction of a new wing at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville, a former Oak Harbor businessman pledged to donate nearly $1 million if the election succeeds. One-time hardware store magnate Bob Sebo — along with his wife, June — said they would donate $900,000 to pay for equipment and upgrades of the hospital’s surgery center. However, that money is contingent on success of the hospital bond proposal, which requires a 60 percent supermajority to pass.

By Nathan Whalen • March 25, 2011 6:59 pm
Oak Harbor couple Bob and June Sebo plan to give nearly $1 million to Whidbey General Hospital if voters approve the bond this May.
Oak Harbor couple Bob and June Sebo plan to give nearly $1 million to Whidbey General Hospital if voters approve the bond this May.

As volunteers gather to promote a $50 million bond to pay for construction of a new wing at Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville, a former Oak Harbor businessman pledged to donate nearly $1 million if the election succeeds.

One-time hardware store magnate Bob Sebo — along with his wife, June — said they would donate $900,000 to pay for equipment and upgrades of the hospital’s surgery center. However, that money is contingent on success of the hospital bond proposal, which requires a 60 percent  supermajority to pass.

Election day is May 17 but ballots will be mailed out several weeks prior.

“We believe in the importance of local health care and we believe with the hospital’s current leadership Whidbey General can be an extraordinary community hospital,” Sebo said in a news release. “If voters are willing to step up by approving the levy request for the new inpatient wing, then my wife and I are willing to ensure the Surgery Center is transformed to achieve the same standards of excellence set by the new inpatient wing.”

Sebo owned hardware stores throughout Whidbey Island. One of those stores, Sebo’s Do It Center, is still in operation in Bayview.

The Surgery Center project includes $620,000 in equipment for orthopedic, ophthalmology, urology, obstetrics, gynecological, gastroenterology and general surgery procedures.

The new equipment would allow officials to start new programs such as full-joint replacement while expanding existing programs.

The remaining portion of the Sebos’ donation, $280,000, would cover the cost of renovating and upgrading the hospital’s four operating rooms.

The pledge comes as a group of volunteers, the Friends of Whidbey Hospital, are busy organizing to promote the upcoming bond.

“It’s all about getting the facts out to the public so they can make an informed decision,” said Trish Rose, Whidbey General Hospital spokesperson.

The 40-year-old hospital needs the voter-approved funding to pay for construction of a new wing that will house 39 single-patient rooms. The new wing will be located on the south end of the hospital campus and it will take between 18 and 20 months to complete. The levy will cost the taxpayer an estimated 34 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.

A group of 15 volunteers met Wednesday afternoon at the Coupeville Public Library and Rose said an additional 15 people are also lined up to help out. She announced the  Sebos’ potential donation during the meeting.

The group is breaking up into several committees to write letters to the editor, develop social media and produce signs. Rose said several people will coordinate an entry in the Holland Happening parade, which takes place Saturday, April 30. Others will coordinate groups that will wave flags at intersections and provide information at public places such as supermarkets.

Rose said Carman McFadyen, who works for Windermere Real Estate,  will coordinate the efforts of the Friends of General Hospital.

Whidbey General Hospital CEO Tom Tomasino is speaking about the bond at the Oak Harbor Senior Center Monday, March 28, beginning at 1 p.m.