The Avalon Lions recently elected to use a donation to Catalina Island Medical Center to honor a charter member and a dedicated supporter.

Club member Chuck Ginnett and club supporter Jack Finnie, both of whom recently passed away, will have their names engraved on the plaque recognizing the Lions Club's $6,000 donation to CIMC. The donation represents the first installment of an $18,000 commitment.

"They were both strong supporters of the Lions Club Sight program," said Lions Club President Rick Harp. "We're happy to make this dedication in their memory."

Several months ago the Lions Club board voted to support the recent renovation of Catalina Island Medical Center by sponsoring a patient room. The funds will be used to renovate a room that the club has funded in the past.

Our function is community support," Harp said, "and we're all aware of how valuable an asset the hospital is to the community."

The Lions Club donation will fund the complete interior renovation of the room, including new furniture, equipment and a television. "The donation will allow us to make life more comfortable for our patients," said CIMC Administrator Bill Greene. "We're grateful that the Lions Club chose to continue their support."

Room renovations are just part of the nearly completed construction project at the medical center. New flooring, handicapped accessible rest rooms and improved ventilation were also added during the project, which addresses many state and federal requirements. "Although we had to complete this project because of the laws regulating hospitals," Greene said, "We were happy to use the opportunity to make improvements for our patients as well."

Funding for the $400,000 renovation project has come from a variety of sources, including grants from the State of California and the City of Avalon, as well as donations from individuals and community organizations. "Much of the money needed for the renovation has been secured," Greene said. "But we still need the community's support."

For more information or to make a donation, contact Bill Greene at (310) 510-0700. Donations may also be made by sending a check to Catalina Island Medical Center, P.O. Box 1563, Avalon, 90704.