Date: 01/20/2022

Gift from the late philanthropist, Dr. Peter Buck, helps CA Dean complete capital campaign

$3.5 million commitment from the late Subway co-founder and Maine native is the largest in the hospital’s history

Northern Light CA Dean Hospital announced it has received a $3.5 million capital campaign donation from the late Dr. Peter Buck, who had longtime ties to the Moosehead Lake region and a lifetime commitment to his beloved home state. Dr. Buck passed away on November 18, 2021.

Last July, Dr. Buck provided an anonymous challenge grant to match every dollar donated to the campaign up to $500,000. The strong community response helped complete the challenge ahead of the year-end deadline. Dr. Buck was pleased by the impact of the challenge and began to make arrangements for a second campaign gift.

“During a challenging time, this campaign really brought our community together to help preserve access to care in our region,” says Marie Vienneau, president of CA Dean Hospital. “Words cannot express our gratitude to Dr. Buck for his remarkable commitment and its impact for our patients and community.” She continues, “We are thankful for the support of every single donor who helped ensure high-quality care will continue in our area.”

Dr. Buck’s gift completes the CA Dean “Preserving the Promise” $6.2 million capital campaign to support the $18 million hospital modernization project. Included are five private rooms with acute/swing beds, a 24/7 emergency department, imaging, and a lab; a new, separate ambulance garage; an FAA-approved helipad; and renovation of the existing East Wing to house 10 private rooms with swing nursing facility beds. 

“Dr. Buck grew up in a Maine farming family. He was deeply committed to continuing the legacy of Maine’s working forests and supporting the communities and people in those regions,” says Ben Benoit, president of PCW Management, who formalized Dr. Buck’s gift intentions. “He was passionate about ensuring there was access to healthcare, education, and affordable housing in the Moosehead Lake region, which was a special place for him.” 

More than 250 individuals, employees, foundations, businesses, and grateful patients joined Dr. Buck to help CA Dean complete the $6.2 million capital campaign in less than 10 months. The project will break ground in the spring of 2022, and the new building will open in early 2023. More than 40% of the project’s cost will be funded by philanthropy.

“We are deeply grateful and inspired by Dr. Buck’s generous commitment to the people of the Moosehead Lake region, and his investment in the vital health care services CA Dean provides to the community. His gift is life changing for so many,” says Tim Dentry, president and CEO of Northern Light Health.