For more than 30 years, Edmund J. Cote, immediate past President of the George C. Wadleigh Foundation, has provided guidance and diligent stewardship to the Foundation, investing the assets and distributing grant funds to not-for-profit organizations in greater Haverhill communities. On Friday, October 18, Cote was honored for those efforts with a plaque unveiled in his honor at Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill.
The George C. Wadleigh Foundation has been a loyal supporter of Merrimack Valley Hospice House. In 2008, the Foundation provided leadership support for initial construction of the House, for which a family gathering area was named. Recently the Foundation provided another leadership gift to the Compassionate Journey capital campaign expansion which allowed for an additional naming recognition. The Board of Trustees of the Foundation unanimously voted to name a garden area in honor of Cote as visible and permanent recognition of his efforts.
“Grant support from the George C. Wadleigh Foundation, under the management of Edmund Cote, has strengthened our agencies, fueling our ability to provide state-of-the-art home and community based services in our communities,” said John G. Albert, President and CEO of Home Health Foundation, which includes Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice and HomeCare, Inc. “Nowhere is that support more visible than here at Merrimack Valley Hospice House. As an early supporter of the Hospice House initial construction and then again for the new wing expansion, the Foundation has demonstrated a lasting commitment to patients and families during what can be a critical time on life’s journey”
“Edmund Cote has worked tirelessly to steward the George C. Wadleigh Foundation,” said Charles Traver, current President of the Foundation. “With support and assistance from the Board of Trustees, the Foundation has grown and thrived. Now, at more than 12 million dollars, the Foundation is able to award grants to a wide variety of not-for- profit agencies that provide essential services to the elderly and indigent in greater Haverhill. We are very pleased that our support of Merrimack Valley Hospice House will benefit patients and families for decades to come.”
“This is indeed a very special honor,” said Cote, surprised by the plaque and reception which included current and past board members of the Foundation. “The Merrimack Valley Hospice House is indeed a very special place. It is gratifying to see how grant support from the Foundation translates into vital care for our community.”
Merrimack Valley Hospice House was completed in June 2009 and contained 14 private suites, as well as a common areas including a kitchen and dining area, living rooms, sanctuary, spa, libraries, chapel and beautiful walkways and gardens. In 2013, due to unprecedented demand for care, the House was expanded to include an additional 7 suites. The Merrimack Valley Hospice House specializes in the end of life care, and provides for all the needs of patients and their families. From state-of-the-art pain management, to providing for each person’s spiritual needs, the goal is to insure that everyone served in the House receives the services and support needed to be as comfortable as possible.