When Mike Todman retired from Whirlpool Corporation a little over a year ago he actually chuckled that he might be busier now than when he was traveling the world on behalf of the appliance giant. His wife, Lynn, meanwhile, continues her work with Lakeland Health, meaning both are very busy people. The St. Joseph couple wife continue to give of their time, talent and treasure in Michigan’s Great Southwest with their latest gift a substantial boost to the new Lakeland Medical Center Pavilion under construction in St. Joseph.
Lynn and Mike Todman, who live in St. Joseph, have donated $100,000 in support of the Lakeland Medical Center Pavilion, and their gift will fund a transformative art installation to be unveiled when the Pavilion is complete in the spring of 2020. A request for proposals is currently in development for the installation. While the medium and the artist have not yet been determined, the goal of the piece is to inspire all members of the Lakeland Health community including healthcare providers, patients, families, and residents of southwest Michigan.
Dr. Lynn Todman is Director of Population Health at Lakeland. She says, “Our hope is to convey the ideas of equity and inclusion.” She notes, “Throughout my career, including my work at Lakeland, I have been committed to the idea that all Americans are entitled to have their basic needs met, including the need for quality health care.”
For his part, Mike says, “It is our hope that the artwork will move and inspire all who enter Lakeland.” Although he is the retired Vice Chairman of Whirlpool Corporation, Mr. Todman is a member of the Lakeland Board of Directors who will tell you, “We want Lakeland to be a place where people of all backgrounds feel welcomed and cared for.”
Dr. Loren Hamel is President & CEO of Lakeland Health. He says, “As members of the Lakeland family, we are grateful to the Todmans for their shared vision in support of a facility that will save more lives, restore health to more patients, and provide quality health care to all members of our community so they can remain close to home.” Dr. Hamel adds, “Through their generosity, the new art installation at the Pavilion will help to create a welcoming, personal, and healing experience to everyone who enters our facility.”
Brandi Smith-Gordon is Vice President of Philanthropy and President of Lakeland Health Foundations. She says, “The creativity and generosity of this gift from these deeply involved community members set a standard for other philanthropists and concerned citizens in our region.” She adds, “We are working closely with the Todmans to ensure we realize their vision of inclusion with a tangible symbol of that concept.”
To date, community members have donated nearly $4.5 million in support of the Pavilion which is slated for completion in 2020. For continued updates on the project, including architectural animations, visit www.lakelandhealth.org/pavilion. To learn more about how you can support the project, contact the Lakeland Health Foundations at (269) 927-5143 or visit www.lakelandhealthfoundations.org.
