By Thomas J. Protack
Source: Submitted Shown during the unveiling of the portrait of Joe Hudson are (l-r) in back, Susie Hudson; Bob Moore, Foundation board member; William Lee, chairman of Beebe Medical Center Board; and Jeffrey Fried, president and CEO of Beebe Healthcare; third row, Christian and Julie Hudson; Kate Hudson; Tom Protack, director of development of Beebe Medical Foundation; and Judy L. Aliquo, president and CEO of Beebe Medical Foundation; second row, Jamin Hudson; Abraxas Hudson; Dr. Anis Saliba; and Paul Mylander, former chairman of the Beebe Medical Foundation Board. In front are Joe and Chris Hudson; Tommy Cooper, chairman of Beebe Medical Foundation Board
It was the vision of Drs. James and Richard Beebe, which discerned the possibility of a new hospital in Lewes in 1916. Through the years, however, it has been the support of the surrounding community that has helped Beebe Hospital grow into the Beebe Healthcare system with more than seven locations and 2,200 employees. Beebe has served area families and countless visitors for almost 100 years, and has been led by strong leadership with very generous hearts.
Last week, the Beebe Medical Foundation, the fundraising arm of Beebe Healthcare, paused to celebrate the generosity and vision of Joseph Hudson over the years. Local entrepreneur and philanthropist, Joe Hudson grew up in the Lewes area and spent his entire life setting a high standard by which to live. From austere beginnings, the young aviation enthusiast amassed a fleet of airplanes by the time he reached 20 years old.
An aerial spraying business was the foundation upon which he built a very successful real estate company. His life of hard work and service to the community continues to inspire others, especially his family, to live by the “Golden Rule.” Hudson believes that through perseverance and kindness to others all can be achieved.
Joe Hudson was chairman of the Beebe Medical Center Board of Directors from 1998 to 2005, and served on the board from 1986 to 2011. He remains as an emeritus board member. Hudson also served on the Beebe Medical Foundation Board from its founding in 1989 to 2012. He remains an emeritus board member. Hudson and his family have been true philanthropists to Beebe.
On April 9, 2008, his generosity led to a new wing being dedicated in his honor. The Hudson Wing doubled the size of the Emergency Department to 37 beds, including seven large trauma/cardiac rooms. A 20-bed critical care unit was created on the second floor, and a 42-unit medical-surgical unit on the third floor. A helipad was built on the rooftop.
Surrounded by his family at a recent surprise breakfast meeting at the Beebe Medical Foundation (the historic home of Dr. Richard Beebe), Hudson’s grandson and local artist, Abraxas, unveiled a new portrait of Joe. This new portrait will replace a photograph of Hudson that has hung in the Emergency Department since the 2008 dedication.
Judy L. Aliquo, president and CEO of Beebe Medical Foundation, explained, “It is so fitting for us to have a beautiful portrait of Joe to hang forever in the Hudson Wing. Joe was one of the first people I met as the new president of the foundation, and he is such a generous and humble man who loves Beebe. We cannot say enough great things about him and his generosity over the years. Joe always insisted he wanted Beebe to have the best and ensure that everyone received excellent care. He still remains so committed to Beebe and its values as it continues to grow.”
Joe Hudson shared with his family and the Beebe leaders that “There are so many others in our community who deserve more recognition. They too have shared their talents as leaders. Beebe is strong because of so many good and generous people.”
Jeffrey Fried, CEO and president of Beebe Healthcare, added, “Joe always was a visionary, and knew it was important if Beebe was going to remain a local community hospital it was going to need the support of the entire community.”
Every donation to Beebe is channeled through the Beebe Medical Foundation. No gift is too big or too small. Over the years it has been the generosity of many individuals and families that have helped Beebe grow with the community and continue to provide excellent care. Beebe will celebrate a century of excellent care in 2016.
The Shaw Building was the first philanthropic gift to Beebe from Benjamin and Helen Shaw, increasing the bed capacity to 25 rooms, followed by the Thompson Building in 1938, which added six new patient rooms and provided much needed support facilities. The Lynch Wing in 1975 provided room for radiology and the obstetrics department. The Clinical Building in 1995 housed the first Tunnell Cancer Center and Baylis Rehabilitation Center. The Rollins Building in 1985 expanded outpatient and same-day surgery services.
No doubt, the generous spirit of the past is Beebe’s vision for the future as it plans to celebrate 100 years of excellent care and commitment to the community. To learn more ways about giving to Beebe, contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or go to beebefoundation.org. If someone would like to “celebrate the excellent care” they have received by recognizing a Beebe team member and making a financial contribution, contact the Beebe Medical Foundation.
Thomas J. Protack is director of development for the Beebe Medical Foundation.