Ukiah Valley Medical Center has accepted its single largest gift in the history of the hospital to build a new emergency department and intensive care unit. Pauline and Morgan Ruddick, lifelong residents of the Ukiah Valley, have committed $250,000 to the project in support of the hospital’s planned rooftop helipad.

“The community has been very good to us and we regard this as a privilege to be able to make this gift,” remarked Mr. Ruddick.

In fact, the Ruddicks have been very generous to the valley’s residents throughout their lives, having learned lessons of generosity as children from their families. The Ruddicks were among the first donors to support the Alex Rorabaugh Center because of their belief that children need a safe place to play.

The Ruddicks have been long time supporters of Hospice of Ukiah and Phoenix Hospice of Mendocino County because they want to relieve suffering for those facing their final days and those who care for them too.

Most recently, the Ruddicks gave a K-9 Officer to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Department who was appropriately named Morgan.

“I am personally humbled by the generosity the Ruddicks have shown the community with this gift,” said Marty Lombardi, UVMC Governing Board Member. Lombardi continued, “They are an inspiration to me and on behalf of those who will be served by this helipad for years to come, I thank them for their vision and generosity.”