VCU news

By Mike Frontiero
VCU School of Education

Barbara Bush helped kickoff a quarter million renovation project at the Hospital Hospitality House of Richmond, located at 612 E. Marshall St.

Serving as honorary chair of the construction project, she reviewed architectural drawings of the new 8th floor, which will house pediatric transplant patients from the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. Afterwards, the former first lady toured the space that also will accommodate children from third world countries receiving life-saving surgery through the International Hospital for Children.

Founded in 1984, HHH is a 105 room property that has offered lodging and non-medical services to patients from area hospitals and their caregivers - more than 64,000 guests - from all 50 states and 31 foreign countries. The renovations will allow HHH to accept patients less than 14 years of age and their caregivers for the first time.

"Illness causes a strain on the family, I'm thrilled about this," Mrs. Bush said. "This is going to make it possible for families to stay together and when you're comfortable, you get well quicker."

Mrs. Bush also was the keynote speaker at a gala fundraising dinner at the Richmond Marriott Hotel, 500 E. Broad St., later in the evening. The Rotary Club of South Richmond is funding the HHH 8th floor renovations and organized the former first lady's visit to support the construction project.

The new 8th floor is 10,000 square feet and will have 18 guest rooms, two kitchens, a laundry, learning center with Internet access and a recreation center.