Indianapolis couple gives $300,000 to name dining area in outdoor plaza of new Wishard Hospital campus

Contact: Todd Harper 
Phone: (317) 630-7808 
Pager: (317) 310-5972 

Indianapolis, December 21, 2010 -- Frank and Katrina Basile have long supported an array of Indianapolis causes, from volunteerism and fundraising campaigns to their philanthropic support of the arts. Now, the Basiles have provided a gift to support the art of health and healing, giving $300,000 for the Frank and Katrina Basile Pavilion at The New Wishard.
"Katrina and I recognize the tremendous role Wishard plays in healing and serving our community, and we are pleased to offer this gift in order to beautify the plaza at The New Wishard, to enhance the sense of comfort of its visitors, patients and staff, and to support the role of art and beauty in helping Wishard achieve the best possible health outcomes for the people it serves," said Frank Basile.
The $300,000 gift from the Basiles is an early naming gift provided to Wishard Foundation in support of The New Wishard.
"We are very pleased to receive this generous gift from Frank and Katrina," said Ernie Vargo, president and CEO of Wishard Memorial Foundation. "The Basiles are amazing supporters of so many impactful venues and projects in our community, and I hope they derive as much pride as we feel gratitude for this gift that will support an environment of health, healing, comfort and beauty in the courtyard of The New Wishard."
The Basiles' gift will support construction of the Frank and Katrina Basile Pavilion, which The New Wishard architects are designing as an outdoor eatery and dining space in the central outdoor plaza between the faculty office building, outpatient care building and the new hospital. 
"Affording the presence of beauty and the provision of comfort to all who enter the campus are among our guiding principles in the design of The New Wishard and all its spaces, and this lovely outdoor eating area that Frank and Katrina have so generously endowed will uphold these principles and offer enhancement to the experience of every patient, visitor and staff member who chooses to enjoy its offerings," said Matthew Gutwein, president and CEO of Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County, which operates Wishard.
Wishard project leaders plan for the area to contribute to the theme of art and beauty that is central to the new hospital campus, which will open in 2014.
"Since as early as 100 years ago, with the commissioning of murals for the hospital walls by renowned artists like T.C. Steele, Wishard leaders have recognized the connection between improving the patient experience through the presentation of art and natural beauty, and delivering improved health care outcomes," said Dr. Lisa Harris, CEO and medical director of Wishard Health Services. "The pavilion that Frank and Katrina have so caringly supported will serve to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of our patients and their families, staff and community. This venue will provide healthful food options and a pleasant outdoor space adjoining our farmers’ market and outdoor plaza at the main entry of the hospital and outpatient care building and will support improved health outcomes."
The project to construct a new Wishard will create 4,400 jobs and will transform the landscape of health care in Indianapolis.
Marion County voters approved construction of a new Wishard in the Nov. 3, 2009 election, with 85 percent support for the measure, and Wishard began work immediately. Wishard plans to complete the new facility at by early 2014.
The Wishard Foundation is managing the campaign to raise philanthropic support for The New Wishard.  To learn more about the Foundation please visit www.Wishardfoundation.org.  For more information about the construction of The New Wishard visit www.TheNewWishard.org.