King-Bruwaert House celebrated two exciting milestones on Friday, April 21 with an invitation-only gala event themed, “Celebrating our Past – Embracing our Future.” Residents, staff, and honored guests toasted KBH’s 90th anniversary while also unveiling the brand-new Martin Jahn Nursing Pavilion. Afternoon festivities highlighted nine remarkable decades of progress, expansion and success for the KBH community with more than 200 guests coming together to commemorate the occasion. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the new porte-cochere area of the Pavilion, CEO Terri Bowen offered opening remarks and special thanks to KBH Board members for supporting the construction effort and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the nursing center.
Terri Bowen also recognized several honorary guests in attendance that made significant donations to our “Build the Future of Healthcare” Fund, which was designed to reduce a planned draw from the Endowment, for this Pavilion project, to protect it for future generations. Among those recognized were Mrs. Pat Jahn, whose contribution named the pavilion for her late husband, Martin, and in honor of the quality and loving nursing care he received. The Honorable Kenneth Moy, a retired Judge, named a Dining Room, that also includes the name of his late wife Patricia who was also a resident. Mr. Ralph Mueller, and his late wife Laura, have Named a resident Living Room with their generosity. Long-time KBH Board member, and a retired nurse, Kay Birck, Named both Nursing Lounges’ and a mom’s kitchen area to be identified as “Kay’s Kitchen.” Also recognized was Jean Dressler, who will be providing two beautiful benches outside the Pavilion. We will soon be installing a Remembrance Wall Tree with the Names of residents who either made important donations to this project, or had gifts made in their honor.
Other dignitaries who joined in the ceremonies included Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, Burr Ridge Village Administrator Evan Walter, Burr Ridge Village Trustee Tony Schiappa, former Burr Ridge Village President Emil “Bud” Coglianese, and Executive Director Dan Janowick and Alana Wett from The Community House in Hinsdale. Also among the attendees were KBH staff, residents, family members, incoming residents of The Gardens of KBH (upcoming luxury apartment homes on KBH’s campus), medical professionals, contractors, financial professionals, and project associates.
Tours of the new Pavilion offered guests an opportunity to view one of the most modern and state-of-the-art skilled nursing centers in the local area and the Midwest. Food and refreshments were served in the KBH Great Lounge and Bistro ’33 and music was provided by a pianist and cellist.
